HomeMy WebLinkAboutBristol Bay Regional Power Plan Interim Feasibility Assessment Volume 4 - Appendices 1982--LIBRARY COpy -
BRISTOL BAY
REGIONAL POWER PLAN
DETAILED FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
INTERIM FEASIBILITY
ASSESSMENT
VOLUME 4 -APPENDICES
JULY 1982
& Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation
VOLUME 1 -REPORT
VOLUME 2 -APPENDICES
GENERAL OUTLINE
BRISTOL BAY REGIONAL POWER PLAN
DETAILED FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
INTERIM FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT
APPENDIX A -ENGINEERING/TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
A.I ENERGY NEEDS
A.2 HYDROELECTRIC POWER PROJECTS
A.3 DIESEL POWER
A.4 WASTE HEAT RECOVERY
A.S ENERGY CONSERVATION
A.6 WIND ENERGY
A.7 POWER TRANSMISSION
A.B FOSSIL-FUEL ALTERNATIVES
A.9 ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE
A.I0 LOAD MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
APPENDIX B -ENERGY SUPPLY TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
APPENDIX C -ENERGY DEMAND FORCAST
VOLUME 3 -APPENDICES
APPENDIX D -WIND ENERGY ANALYSIS
APPENDIX E -GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES -TAZIMINA RIVER
APPENDIX F -GEOTECHNICAL STUDY -NEWHALEN RIVER
VOLUME 4 -APPENDICES
APPE~~IX G -ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
APPENDIX H -NEWHALEN SMOLT AND FRY STUDIES
APPENDIX I -HYDROLOGIC EVALUATIONS -TAZIMINA RIVER
, •
APPENDIX G
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
IT
n
Bristol Bay Regional Power Plan
Environmental Report
Prepared for
Alaska Power Authority
July 1982
Dames & Moore
TABLE OF CONTENTS . .
.£.age
1.0 INTRODUCTION. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • .• 1-1
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE LOCALE
2.1 Bristol Bay Region
2.2 Tazimina River Drainage
3.0 WATER USE AND QUALITY
3.1 Existing Conditions
3.1 .1
3.1 .2
3.1.3
3.1.4
stream Uses • • • • •• ••• • • • • • •
Streamflow ••••••
Water Quality and Limnology ••••••
Stream Temperature
3.2 Anticipated Impacts
3.2.1 Stream Uses •
3.2.1.1 Run-of-River Concept.
3.2.1.2 Storage Concept •••••••
2-1
2-1
2-1
3-1
3-1
3-1
3-1
3-3
3-17
3-19
3-19
3-19
3-24
3.2.2 Streamflow •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 3-24
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.2.2.1 Run-of-River Concept. • • • • . • • • • •• 3-24
3.2.2.2 Storage Concept • • • • • • • •• 3-27
Water Qualit y and Limnology • • •••••••
3.2.3.1 Run-of-River Concept • • ••••
3.2.3.2 Storage Concept •••••••.••
Stream Temperature • • • • • •
3.2.4.1 Run-of-River Concept.
3.2.4.2 Storage Concept
3-30
3-30
3-33
3-34
3-34
3-34
References 3-37
4.0 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES • . 4-1
4.1 Existing Characteristics • 4-1
4.1.1 Terrestrial Communities • • • • • • • • 4-1
4.1.1.1 Vegetation. • •••.••• 4-1
4.1.1.2 Birds • • • . • • • • • • • •• • ••• 4-3
4.1.1.3 Mammals • • • • • • 4-4
4.1.1.4 Habitat Evaluation of Lower
4.1.1.5
Tazimina Lake Area • • . • • • • • •
Endangered Species . • • . .•
4-8
4-17
4.1 .2 Aquatic
4.1.2.1
4.1.2.2
4.1.2.3
4.1.2.4
4.1.2.5
4.1.2.6
4.1.2.7
4.1.2.8
4.1.2.9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
( Continued)
Communities • • • • • • •••
Field Studies •••••••
Tazimina Drainage Overview •
Fish Resources of the Lower Tazimina River •
Relationships Between Geomorphologic
and Hydraulic Characteristics and Sockeye
Salmon Spawning and Incubation Success
Relationships Between Geomorphologic
and Hydrologic Charactieristics and
Resident Fish • • • • • •
Fish Resources Between the Falls and
and Lower Tazimina Lake • • . •
Fish Resources of Lower Tazimina Lake
Fish Resources of the Tazimina River
Between Lakes . • • • • • • • •
Fish Resources of Upper Tazimina Lake
4.2 Anticipated Impacts
4.2.1
4.2.2
Terrestrial Habitats
4.2.1.1 Construction Impacts.
4.2.1.2 Operation and Maintenance Impacts
(Run-of-River) ••••••••••
4.2.1.3 Operation and Maintenance Impacts
(Storage Concept) .••••
4.2.1.4 Transmission Lines. • •••
Aquatic Habitats •••••
4.2.2.1 Lower Tazimina River (Below the
4.2.2.2
4.2.2.3
4.2.2.4
4.2.2.5
4.2.2.6
4.2.2.7
Proposed Powerhouse) ••••.•
Tazimina River Canyon Area • • •
Tazimina River Damsite to Lower Lake •
Lower Tazimina Lake • • • •
Tazimina River Between the Lakes •
Transmission Lines •
General Impacts • • • • . • • • •
4.3 Mitigation of Biological Impacts •
References eO." ........... Cl •••••••
5.0 HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
5.1 Historical Setting ••••.•
5.1 .1
5.1 .2
Tazimina River-Tazimina Lakes.
Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark •.••
Page
4-18
4-18
4-19
4-21
4-36
4-46
4-47
4-48
4-49
4-49
4-50
4-50
4-50
4-52
4-53
4-56
4-57
4-57
4-60
4-64
4-64
4-65
4-65
4-66
4-66
4-68
5-1
5-1
5-1
5-3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued )
Page
5.2 Existing Conditions Based on Archeological Reconnaissance.. 5-5
5.3 Impacts and Mitigation
References
6.0 SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS •
6.1 Introduction •
6.2 Population and Demography
6.3 Socioeconomic Concerns •
6.3.1
6.3.2
6.3.3
6.3.4
6.3.5
6.3.6
General
Iliamna Subregion •
Kvichak River Subregion ••
Kvichak-Egegik Bay Subregion
Nushagak Bay Subregion • • • •
Nushagak River Subregion • • ••
6.4 Attitudes Towards the Project(s)
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.4.3
6.4.4
6.4.5
6.4.6
References
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iliamna Subregion • • • • • • ••••
Kvichak River Subregion •••••••
Kvichak-Egegik Bay Subregion
Nushagak Bay Subregion • • • •
Nushagak River Subregion
7.0 RECREATIONAL RESOURCES.
7.1 Existing Conditions
7.2 Anticipated Impacts
7.2.1
7.2.2
References
Tazimina Hydroelectric Concept
Transmission Lines •••••
5-11
5-13
6-1
6-1
6-3
6-8
6-8
6-9
6-12
6-12
6-13
6-14
6-14
6-14
6-15
6-18
6-18
6-21
6-21
6-23
7-1
7-1
7-3
7-3
7-3
7-4
8.0 AESTHETIC RESOURCES
8.1 Existing Conditions
8.2 Anticipated Impacts
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Page
8-1
8-1
8-2
8.2.1 Tazimina Hydroelectric Concept Visual Assessment 8-2
8.2.2 Transmission Lines . • • • 8-3
References
9.0 LAND USE ••
9 0 1 Introduction ••
9.2 Land Use Concerns
General
11 i amna Sub reg ion • •• • •
Kvichak River Subregion •
9.2.1
9.2.2
9.2.3
9.2.4
9.2.5
9.2.6
Kvichak-Egegik Bay Subregion • • ••••••
Nushagak Bay Subregion • • • • ••••
I\lushagak River Subregion ••••
9.3 Transmission Lines.
9.3.1 General . . . · . . . . .
9.3.2 Iliamna Subregion . · . . . . . . . .
9.3.3 Kv ichak River Subregion · 9.3.4 Kvichak-Egegik Bay Subregion
9.3.5 Nushagak Bay Subregion
9.3.6 Nushagak River Subregion
10.0 AIR QUALITY
10.1 Climatology
10.2 Existing Air Quality Conditions
10.3 Air Quality Impact •
References
APPENDIX A -VEGETATION OF THE LOWER TAZIMINA RIVER AREA
APPENDIX B -TAZIMINA RIVER SOCKEYE SALMON STUDIES
.
.
8-4
9-1
9-1
· . . 9-1
· .
· .
·
·
9-1
9-2
9-4
9-7
9-8
9-8
9-8
9-8
9-9
9-10
9-11
9-13
9-14
• 10-1
· 10-1
• 10-2
• 10-2
• •• 10-4
APPENDIX C -STUDY OF FISH HABITAT AS RELATED TO POTENTIAL
IMPACTS OF THE TAZIMINA RUN-OF-THE-RIVER CONCEPT
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
3-1 Average Monthly Streamflows in the Lower Tazimina River 3-2
3-2 List of Bottles, Rinse/Preservative, and Parameters. 3-6
3-3 Analytical Methods and Detection Limits • 3-7
3-4 Field and Office Calculations Data 3-9
3-5 Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Profiles • 3-10
3-6 Physical, Chemical, Nutrient, and Metal Parameters 3-12
3-7 PCB's, Pesticides, and Herbicides 3-14
3-8 Mean Daily Stream Temperatures (DOC) at Two Locations
on the Tazimina River During July and August 1981 • • • 3-20
3-9 Mean Daily Stream Temperatures (DOC) at Four Locations
on the Tazimina River During September and October 1981 3-21
3-10 Maximum and Minimum Summer Stream Temperatures (O°C) at
Two Locations on the Tazimina River • • • • • • • • • . 3-22
3-11 Maximum and Minimum Fall Stream Temperatures (O°C) at
Two Locations on the Tazimina River • • • • • • • • • . 3-23
3-12 Pre-and Postproject Streamflows for Local Run-of-River
Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
3-13 Comparison o"f Hydraulic Conditions for Selected Discharges
in a Single Channel Segment of the Tazimina River • • • •. 3-29
3-14 Comparison of Alexcy Braid Side Channel
Flows to Tazimina River Streamflows •
4-1 Avifauna of the Lake Iliamna and Lake Clark Region
4-2 Mammals of the Lake Iliamna and Lake Clark Areas
4-3 Major Habitat Parameters Used to Evaluate Vegetation
Types for Wildlife Habitat •••••••
4-4 Spawning Ground Surveys on the Tazimina River ••
3-31
4-5
4-6
4-9
4-25
4-5 Occurrence of Peak Spawning Activity in the Tazimina River. 4-29
4-6 Comparison Between 1981 AEIDC and 1962 Fisheries
Research Institute Stream Bottom Composition Surveys
for the Lower Tazimina River • • • • • . • . . 4-37
6-1 Bristol Bay Regional Power Plan Study Area: Village
Population and Limited Entry Permits 6-4
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
2-1 Regional Map 2-2
2-2 Tazimina River Drainage, Lower Portion 2-3
2-3 Tazimina River Drainage, Central Portion 2-4
3-1 Water Quality Sample Locations 3-4
3-2 Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Profiles. 3-11
3-3 Tazimina Hydroelectric Project Cation-Anion Composition 3-16
3-4 Locations of Temperature Stations in 1981 Field Season 3-18
4-1 Refer to Plate 1 · · · · · · · · Back Pocket
4-2 Optimum Quality Habitat for Brown Bear and Beaver,
Lower Tazimina River Area · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 4-11
4-3 Optimum Quality Habitat for Brown Bear and Beaver,
Lower Tazimina Lake Area · . · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 4-12
4-4 Optimum Quality Habitat for Moose, Lower
Tazimina River Area . . · · · · · · · · · 4-13
4-5 Otpimum of Habitat for Moose, Lower
Tazimina Lake Area · · · · · · · · · 4-14
4-6 Phenology Chart for Major Fish Species of
the Lower Tazimina River · · · · · · · · · · 4-23
4-7 Distribution and Abundance of Sockeye Salmon Spawners in
the Tazimina River from Aerial Survey on August 28, 1981 . · 4-27
4-8 Distribution and Abundance of Resident Fish in the Lower
Tazimina River from Aerial Survey on September 22, 1981 · · 4-33
4-9 Distribution and Abundance of Resident Fish in the Lower
Tazimina River from Aerial Survey on October 14, 1981 4-34
4-10 Sockeye Salmon Spawner Distribution with Respect to
Substrate Type . . . . . · · · · · · · · · · · · 4-39
4-11 Stream Channel Pattern of the Lower Tazimina River · · · · 4-40
4-12 Sampling Locations for Characterization of Sockeye
Salmon Spawning Habitat . · . · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 4-43
Figure
LIST OF FIGURES
(Continued)
Page
5-1 Archeological Survey Sites in the Tazimina River Drainage 5-6
5-2 Archeological Survey Sites in the Tazimina Lakes Area.. 5-7
Plate 1 -Natural Resource Values and
Use Patterns in the Bristol Bay Region Back Pocket
1.0 INTRODUCTION
A program of environmental and sociocultural investigations was
conducted as part of a feasibility study of power alternatives for the
Bristol Bay region. Although engineering and economic feasibility were
considered for a variety of alternatives, the detailed environmental baseline
and impact studies were limited, by necessity, to prev iousl y identi fied
alternatives. One of the more promising power alternatives identified during
reconnaissance studies was hydroelectric development on the Tazimina River.
Therefore, the primary emphasis of the environmental program was directed
toward evaluating the potential impacts of this development and its
accompanying power distribution system. The sociocultural study reported in
Chapter 6 represents a special situation in that its results are more broadly
applicable to the overall issue of power development alternatives.
This environmental report is organized roughly in concordance with
"Exhibit E" as described in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
regulations governing application for major hydroelectric power projects.
If a decision is made to pursue the Tazimina project through the FERC
application process, the information presented could be readily adapted
to the application format.
1-1
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE LOCALE
2.1 BRISTOL BAY REGION
The area considered by this feasibility study and potentially served by
power from a Tazimina hydroelectric facility is indicated in Figure 2-1. The
region is essentially a very broad basin of about 104,000 square kilometers
(40,000 square miles) bordered by mountains on the north, south and east and
by Bristol Bay, an inlet of the southern Bering Sea, on the west. Several
major drainages, some with extensive lake systems, cross the region. Terrain
tends to be relatively flat, except at the basin margins where changes in
relief are more common. Vegetation varies from low growing tundra near the
coast to spruce forest adjacent to lakes and rivers in more inland areas and
alpine shrub and tundra at higher elevations.
Weather patterns are largely controlled by oceanic influences and,
therefore, the area has a relatively narrow range of seasonal temperature
changes compared to interior Alaska. Clouds, fog and precipitation are
frequent but are moderated somewhat inland. Winters are long with moderate
snow cover.
Village locations are indicated on Figure 2-1. Dillingha'!l and the
Naknek/King Salmon areas are the largest population centers. The other
villages are all small, with populations ranging from 3 to 325 people. Road
development is very limited with no connections between villages (except
Dillingham-Aleknagik, Iliamna-Newhalen and Naknek-King Salmon) and no con-
nection with other regions of Alaska. Consequently, the region is very
isolated as are the villages within the region.
2.2 TAZIMINA RIVER DRAINAGE
The Tazimina River (Figures 2-2 and 2-3) flows southwesterly entering
Sixmile Lake in the Newhalen River drainage opposite the village of
Nondalton. The Tazimina River and its tributaries drain an area greater than
907 square kilometers (350 square miles). The river is about 80 kilometers
2-1
\
-~ .. -·.A~
ALASKA
LOCATION OF
THIS MAP
. , ,
~;.: , .
,
•• _. c·
..
REGIONAL MAP
Dames & Moore Figure 2-1
(J
Jj
D --
'~-
a
0 v O
Q [(
0 ()
0 (J
0 \J ..
CJ :
(J " c}
~ ~
0
o~ 0 ~C)C;J
CJ 0 C7 'fl D 0
D
o
LOCATION OF
THIS MAP
""
PROPOSED
STORAGE DAM
LOCATION
USGS Gage House
0
I
N
-~-
I
ONE MILE
Dames
KEY'
®
(f)
®
@
•
T-4
&
D
HELl PAD
THERMOGRAPH
STAFF GAGE
RIVER MILES
HALF MILES
UNNAMED TRIBUTARIES
TAZIMINA RIVER
DRAINAGE
LOWER PORTION
Lower
Tazimina
Lake
o
Moore Figure 2-2
o d
LOCATION OF THIS MAP
KEY'
® RIVER MILES
~ HALF MILES
T-5 UNNAMED TRIBUTARIES
I
-~-
I
ONE MILE
T AZIMINA RIVER
DRAINAGE
CENTRAL PORTION
Dam •• & Moor. Figure 2-3
(so miles) long including the lengths of two large lakes. Upper Tazimina
Lake is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) long and at least 1S0 meters (492 feet)
deep. Lower Tazimina Lake is 12 kilometers C7 miles) long, up to 3 kilo-
meters (2 miles) wide, and at least 62 meters (203 feet) deep. An impassable
waterfall is located at about River Mile 9.S (Figure 2-2), thus isolating the
upper portion of the drainage from water travel via Sixmile Lake.
The uppermost portion of the river traverses the bottom of a steep-sided
valley that widens somewhat as the river enters Upper Tazimina Lake. An
11-kilometer (7-mile) stretch of river connects Upper Tazimina Lake to Lower
T azimina Lake. The lakes and the connecting river segment lie within a
forested glacial basin. Several small creeks contribute to the lakes; two
major tributaries are present, entering Upper Tazimina Lake at its east end
and the interconnecting river from the south. The river flowing out of Lower
Tazimina Lake traverses a broad flat where the river widens in several
locations. After passing through a canyon (River Miles 8-10) the river
crosses flat terrain for the remainder of its length.
2-S
3.0 WATER USE AND QUALITY
3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
3.1.1 Stream Uses
There are currently no permits or claims to water rights in the Tazimina
River drainage. The area is uninhabited and no water withdrawal or
alteration to natural watershed characteristics has occurred.
The primary use of the Tazimina River is related to fish resources (see
Chapters 4 and 6). Recreational fishing occurs during the open water months
with heaviest use on the lower Tazimina River and lighter use of the upstream
lake area. Subsistence fishing by residents of the Sixmile Lake area also
concentrates on the lower river. In addition, the substantial run of sockeye
salmon contributes to sport, subsistence and commercial fisheries that occur
downstream and in Bristol Bay.
The lower Tazimina River is also used to some degree as a transportation
corridor. The recreational fishery employs shallow draft power boats to
access fishing areas. Local residents use the river to access hunting areas
and to obtain firewood. The depth of this river during some times of the
year is marginal for boat use; therefore, sustained flow may be important.
3.1.2 Streamflow
Hydrological characteristics of the Tazimina River drainage area have
been analyzed in detail in a separate report (Appendix I of the Bristol Bay
Regional Power Plan Interim Feasibility Assessment). Average monthly flows
for the lower Tazimina River as estimated within the above report are
presented in Table 3-1.
It should be emphasized that there are no long-term flow data for the
Tazimina River. Continuous flow measurements were not intitated until June
3-1
TABLE 3-1 -AVERAGE MONTHLY STREAMFLOWS
IN THE LOWER TAZIMINA RIVER
Average Monthly
Month Flow (cfs)
Jan. 197
Feb. 115
March 113
April 110
May 761
June 2889
July 3254
Aug. 2737
Sept. 1844
Oct. 1388
Nov. 350
Dec. 350
3-2
'"
-
...
If!'
III'
.. ,
.'
If,
...
--
1981. Therefore, the figures presented in Table 3-1 should be viewed only as
estimates and will undoubtedly be subject to refinement as more measurements
become available.
3.1.3 Water Quality and Limnology
Little historical water quality and limnological data exist for Upper
and Lower Tazimina Lakes, Tazimina River, and Sixmile Lake near the mouth of
the Tazimina River. The information presented herein is based on a water
quality and limnology survey conducted August 4 and 5, 1981.
Six locations were sampled for water quality data (Figure 3-1). The
Six mile Lake (near the mouth of the Tazimina River) and lower Tazimina River
(at the Dames & Moore gaging station) sample sites were visited on August 4,
1981, via boat from Nondalton. The remaining sites were reached by float
plane on August 5, 1981. These sites were the outlet of Upper Tazimina
Lake, the inlet and outlet portions of Lower Tazimina Lake, and the upper
Tazimina River above the U.S. Geological Survey gaging station. Water
samples were collected at each site for laboratory analyses.
Parameters measured in the field included dissolved oxygen, temperature,
pH, conductivity, settleable solids, and alkalinity. Dissolved oxygen (YSI
Model 57 D.O. Meter), pH (VWR Scientific Model 55 pH Meter), and conductivity
(YSI Model 33 S-C-T Meter) values were measured by placing probes directly in
the water to be tested. Temperature was also measured in situ using a
thermometer graduated in 0.1°C increments and having the accuracy within the
tolerances specified by the A.S. T .M. Values of the above parameters were
recorded after they stabilized. Settleable solids values were recorded after
the 1-hour settling period in Imhoff cones. Alkalinity was determined
potentiometrically by securing a sample, measuring 100 ml with a volumetric
flask, and titrating with standard sulfuric acid to the appropriate end-
point. Values appearing in Table 3-4 are generally averages of three
separate measurements. Laboratory samples were composited from at least
three locations at each sample site. River sample stations were divided so
that samples were collected near the right and left banks and from the center
3-3
R QUALITY SA .WATE MPLE STATIONS
o
J
-~-
I
o 1 2 3
MILES
Figure 3-1
QUALITY
WATER LOCATIONS SAMPLE
as three depth-integrated samples and then composited. Lake sample stations
were treated in a similar manner because samples were collected at inlets or
outlets. The lake temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles, however, were
measured in deeper water approximately 100 meters (30 feet) from the inlet or
outlet. Also, the laboratory sample for PCB's, pesticides, and herbicides
was composited from six locations, three each at the upper and lower ends of
Lower Tazimina Lake. Samples for laboratory analyses were placed in plastic
or glass containers depending on the desired tests. Plastic bottles were
rinsed in nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, or distilled water, and glass
bottles were rinsed with an organic solvent (Table 3-2). All samples were
placed in insulated containers to keep the samples cool during shipment to
the laboratory. Table 3-3 presents the analytical method and detection
limit for each parameter. Laboratory quality control measures were employed
for each parameter using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reference
standards and/or replicate analyses. Anion-cation balances performed on each
sample indicate that the difference between the sums of the anions and
cations falls within +1 standard deviation, or between acceptable limits.
Field and office calculations data are presented in Table 3-4 for each
site, and Table 3-5 and Figure 3-2 present temperature and dissolved
oxygen profiles for the lake sample sites. Laboratory data appear in Tables
3-6 and 3-7.
The water quality in the Tazimina system and Sixmile Lake at the time of
sampling was similar. Because of the similarity, the following discussion
generally does not differentiate between sample locations.
Alkalinity and hardness values were low, pH was slightly acidic, and
free carbon dioxide levels were low to moderate. Turbidity and total
suspended solids levels were low, indicative of a clear water system.
Settleable solids were less than the detection limit, 0.1 ml/l, at all sample
stations. These low levels of solids and turbidity are particularly
noteworthy since discharge, measured at the U. S. Geological Survey gaging
station, was at its highest peak of the summer on August 4. Because solids
3-5
TABLE 3-2
TAZIMINA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
LIST OF BOTTLES, RINSE/PRESERVATIVE, AND PARAMETERS
Polypropylene Bottle
Distilled Water Rinse
No Preservative
Chloride
Color
Fluoride
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids
Total Suspended Solids
Turbidity
polypropylene Bottle
Distilled Water Rinse
Nitric Acid
Metals
3-6
Polypropylene Bottle
Distilled Water Rinse
Hydrochloric Acid
Nitrogen Species
Phosphate Species
Polypropylene Bottle
Distilled Water Rinse
Zinc Acetate
Sulfide
Amber Glass Bottle
Distilled Water Rinse
Organic Solvent Rinse
Organics
...
TABLE 3-3
TAZIMINA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
ANALYTICAL METHODS AND DETECTION LIMITS
Parameter
PHYSICAL
Color
Conductivity
HardnesEi
pH
Settleable Solids
Temperature
Total Dissolved Solids
Total Suspended Solids
Turbidity
METALS
Arsenic
Barium
Beryllium
Cadmium
Calcium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Iron
Lead
Magnesium
Manganese
Mercury
Molybdenum
Nickel
Potassium
Selenium
Silver
Sodium
Strontium
Zinc
Method(l)
SM 204A
EPA 120.1
SM 314A
EPA 150.1
EPA 160.5
EPA 170.1
SM 209C
SM 209D
SM 214A
GF
AA
AA
AA
AA
AA
AA
AA
AA
GF
AA
AA
EPA 245.1
AA
AA
AA
GF
AA
AA
AA
AA
3-7
Detection Limit(2)
5 Pt Color Units
1 ~mhos/cm @ 25°C
0.1 as CaC0 3
0.1 pH Unit
0.1 ml/l
0.1 °c
0.1
0.1
0.02 NTU
0.0002
0.01
0.001
0.002
0.001
0.003
0.007
0.002
0.005
0.0001
0.001
0.002
0.0002
0.02
0.005
0.002
0.0005
0.002
0.001
0.002
0.001
TABLE 3-3 (Continued)
TAZIMINA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
ANALYTICAL METHODS AND DETECTION LIMITS
Parameter
INORGANIC, NON-METALLICS
Alkalinity
Carbon Dioxide
Ch1orid~
Fluoride
Nitrogen, Ammonia
Nitrogen, Kjeldahl
Nitrogen, Nitrate
Nitrogen, Nitrite
Oxygen, Dissolved
Phosphate, Ortho
Phosphate, Total
Silica, Dissolved
Silicon
Sulfate
Sulfide
(1) SM--Standard Methods for
water, 15th edition.
Method (1)
EPA 310.1
SM 406A
SM 407C
EPA 340.2
EPA 350.5
EPA 351. 3
EPA 352.1
EPA 354.1
EPA 360.1
EPA 365.3
EPA 365.3
SM 425C
AA
SM 426C
SM 427D
the Examination
Detection Limit(2)
2 as caC0 3
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.01
0.05
0.1
0.01
0.1
0.01
0.01
1
0.02
1
0.1
of Water and Waste-
EPA-Methods for Chemical Analysis of W~ter and Wastes, 1979.
GF--Graphite Furnace
AA--Atomic Absorption
(2) Values in mg/l unless otherwise noted
3-8
-
TABLE 3-4
TAZIMINA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
FIELD AND OFFICE CALCULATIONS DATA
Field parameters(l)
Dissolved Oxygen
Conductivity, ~mhos/cm @25°C
pH, pH Units
Temperat,:ure, °C
Settleable Solids, ml/l
Alkalinity, as CaC0 3
Office Calculations
Hardness, Ca+Mg, as caC0 3
Carbon Dioxide
D.O., % Saturation
Field Parameters (1)
Dissolved Oxygen
Conductivity, ~mhos/cm @25°C
pH, pH Units
Temperature, °C
Settleable Solids, ml/l
Alkalinity, as CaC0 3
Office Calculations
Hardness, Ca+Mg, as CaC0 3
Carbon Dioxide
D.O., % Saturation
UTL
11.2
22
6.6
9.2
.<0.1
11
6.8
7
97
UTR
10.7
24
6.7
11. 9
<0.1
13
6.4
6
97
(1) Values in mg/1 unless otherwise noted
Sample Sites.
UTL-----Upper Tazimina Lake Near Outlet
LTL-I---Lower Tazimina Lake Near Inlet
LTL-I
11. 3
21
6.5
9.7
<0.1
12
6.6
9
98
LTR
10.1
23
6.2
12.1
<0.1
13
6.7
18
94
LTL-O---Lower Tazimina Lake At Outlet
UTR-----Tazimina River Just Above USGS Gaging Station
LTR-----Tazimina River At Dames & Moore· Staff Gage
SML-----Sixmile Lake Near Mouth Of Tazimina River
3-9
LTL-O
11.3
23
6.8
11. 0
<0.1
12
6.8
5
98
SML
11.1
45
6.2
9.0
<0.1
27
20.0
40
95
TABLE 3-5
TAZIMINA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
TEt-1PERATURE AND DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES
Upper Tazimina Lake Lower Tazimina Lake Lower Tazimina Lake Sixmile Lake Near
Near Outlet Near Inlet lIear Outlet Mouth of Tazimina
River
DeEth TemE D.O. %Sat TernE D.O. %Sat TemE D.O. %Sat TemE D.O. %Sat
1 9.6 11. 2 98 10.5 11.1 97 11.4 10.8 97 11. 0 10.3 93
5 9.5 11.2 97 9.5 11.5 99 11. 3 11. 0 98 9.7 10.9 96
10 9.4 11. 2 97 9.4 11. 5 98 11. 3 11.0 98 8.9 11.2 96
15 9.2 11. 3 97 9.4 11.5 98 11. 2 11. 0 98 8.2 11. 3 95
20 9.2 11.2 97 9.5 11.4 98 11.1 11.0 98 7.9 11.4 96
22 Bottom at 22 feet 7.8 11.5 96
\.N 25 9.1 11. 2 96 9.8 11.4 99 Bottom at 23 feet I
0 30 9.1 11.2 96 9.8 11.3 98
35 9.1 11. 2 96 9.8 11.3 98
40 9.2 11.2 97 9.8 11.0 95
45 9.1 11.1 96 Bottom at 43 feet
48 9.1 11.1 96
Bottom at 50 feet
Note: Depth is in feet, temperature is in °C, 'dissolved oxygen is in mg/l, and %Sat
represents percentage saturation of dissolved oxygen.
o
10
20
SML
40
.
,'I
• •
I
I
\
\
•
I
I
\
~UTL
\ •
I •
I •
I •
LTL-I
. . .
• .
•
LTL-O
50+---~----~--~--~----~--~--~~--~
8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0
TEMPERATURE, °C
Figure 3-2
I I I I i
10.0 10.5
DISSOLVED
TEMPERATURE AND DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES
• ~ .
· .
I .
· I ~ •
· / ·
LTL-O I •
/ SML
· .
I · •
/. .
LTL-I I
I
! UTL
i i I ) I I
11.0 11.5
OXYGEN, mg/l
TABLE 3-6
TAZIMINA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, NUTRIENT, AND l-1ET AL P ARAMETE~S
Parameters (1) UTL LTL-I LTL-O UTR LTR SML
PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL
Turbidity 0.35 0.50 0.30 0.50 2.5 1.4
Total Dissolved Solids 24 28 30 23 23 34
Total Suspended Solids 0.4 1.0 0.2 0.5 2.0 1.2
Chloride 0.6 0.6 1.0 0.8 0.9 1.4
Sulfate 6.4 7.1 7.8 6.2 6.5 8.3
DISSOLVED NUTRIENTS
Total Phosphate, as P 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03
VJ Ortho-Phosphate, as P 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 I
N Total Nitrogen, as N <0.38 <0.23 <0.37 <0.20 <0.36 <0.16
Ammonia, as N 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02
. Nitrite, as N <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Nitrate, as N 0.32 <0.10 0.31 0.14 0.30 <0.10
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, as N <0.05 0.12 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
Silicon 1. 68 1. 64 1. 86 1. 79 1. 76 1. 63
DISSOLVED METALS
Arsenic 0.0009 0.0010 0.0006 0.0007 0.0008 0.0008
Barium 0.18 0.04 0.11 <0.01 0.08 0.04
Calcium 2.220 2.117 2.136 1. 957 2.090 6.49
Cadmium <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Chromium 0.006 <0.003 <0.003 0.010 <0.003 <0.003
Copper 0.003 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.007 0.003
I ~ , i 1 , ..
~
'vJ
I
'vJ
TABLE 3-6 (Continu.ed)
TAZIMINA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, NUTRIENT, AND METAL PARAl-1ETERS
Parameters (1) UTL
Iron <0.005
Mercury <0.0002
Potassium 6.2
Magnesium 0.316
Hanganese <0.002
Silver <0.002
Sodium 2.3
Nickel <0.005
Lead 0.0003
Selenium 0.0042
.Strontium 0.012
Zinc 0.006
(1) Values in mg/l unless otherwise noted
Sample Sites
UTL-----Upper Tazimina Lake Near Outlet
LTL-I--Lower Tazimina Lake Near Inlet
LTL-O--Lower Tazimina Lake Near Outlet
LTL-I LTL-O
0.014 <0.005
<0.0002 <0.0002
1.8 3.0
0.309 0.347
0.003 <0.002
0.002 <0.002
5.5 5.7
<0.005 <0.005
<0.0001 <0.0001
0.0033 0.0034
0.007 0.009
0.004 <0.001
UTR----Upper Tazimina River Above USGS Gaging Station
LTR----Lower Tazimina River at Dames & Moore Staff Gage
SML----Sixmile Lake Near Mouth of Tazimina River
.
UTR
0.016
<0.0002
1.8
0.360
<0.002
<0.002
2.3
<0.005
0.0002
0.0047
0.009
<0.001
LTR SML
0.011 0.027
<0.0002 <0.0002
4.3 3.2
0.358 0.92
0.006 0.003
0.002 0.003
2.4 6.6
<0.005 <0.005
<0.0001 0.0001
0.0033 0.0035
0.005 0.025
<0.001 0.009
VI
I
-" p
,
Parameters
PCB's
Phenoxy Acid Herbicides
Organochlorides
Parameters
PCB's
Arochlor 1016 (llg/l)
Arochlor 1221
Arochlor 1232
Arochlor 1242
Arochlor 1248
Arochlor 1254
Arochlor 1260
ORGANOCHLORIDES
Aldrin (llg/l)
a BHC (llg/l)
o BHC (llg/l)
B BHC (llg/l)
y BHC (llg/l)
« Chlordane (llg/l)
y Chlordane (llg/l)
p,pl DOD (llg/l)
..
" ..
"
" ..
TAZIMINA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
PCB'S, PESTICIDES, AND HERBICIDES
Lower Tazimina Lake Composite
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Detection Limits Parameters
0.05
PHENOXY. ACID HERBICIDES
2,4 0 (llg/l)
" .. 2,4, 5 T (llg/l) ..
" 2,4,. 5 TP (llg/l) .. ..
0.003 p,p1 DOE (llg/l)
0.002 p,pl DDT (llg/l)
0.004 « Endosulfan (llg/l)
0.004 B Endosulfan (llg/l)
0.002 Endrin ( llg/l)
0:005 Heptachlor (llg/l)
0.005 Heptachlor Epoxide (llg/l)
0.012 Toxaphene (llg/l)
Methoxychlor (llg/l)
Detection Limits
1.
0.5
0.5
0.006
0.016
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.002
0.004
0.40
0.01
levels and turbidity are directly related to discharge, the values measured
on August 4 and 5 are likely to be among the highest levels measured in
the Tazimina system.
Concentrations of nutrients were low to moderate at all sites. Nitrite
was not detected at any site, and ammonia was low at all sites. Total
Kjeldahl nitrogen, the sum of ammonia and organic nitrogen, was only detected
at the inlet of Lower Tazimina Lake. Consequently, this site was the only
one hav ing a detectable concentration of organic nitrogen. Nitrate and
ortho-phosphate concentrations were sufficient to provide for biological
uptake at all sites except the inlet of Lower Tazimina Lake and Sixmile Lake.
These sample locations exhibited nitrate concentrations less than the
detection limit.
Mineralization, as measured by conductivity and total dissolved solids,
in the Tazimina system and Sixmile Lake was low. This is typical for fresh
water in this part a f Alaska. Also, since these measurements were made
during a period of high discharge, mineralization in the system would be at a
minimum because of the typical inverse relationship between mineralization
and discharge.
The cation-anion composition of the water at the six sample locations is
presented in Figure 3-3. The major anion at all sites is biocarbonate.
Sodium and calcium are the major cations in Lower Tazimina Lake, Sixmile
Lake, and upper Tazimina River. Sodium, calcium, and potassium are roughly
equal in terms of milliequivalents per liter in Upper Tazimina Lake and lower
Tazimina River.
Cadmium, mercury, and nickel concentrations were less than their
respective detection limits. The remaining potentially toxic trace elements,
except copper, were below levels considered to be safe for the growth and
propagation of freshwater aquatic organisms (ADEC 1979, EPA 1976, McNeely et
al. 1979, Sittig 1981, and EPA 1980). Copper was 7 }Jg/I at the lower
Tazimina River site, which exceeds the acceptable level of 5 }Jg/I presented
by McNeely et ale (1979). However, EPA (1976) presents information stating
3-15
80
70
60
c:::
LLJ .-......
....J
c:::
LLJ c..
(/) 50 .-z:
LLJ
....J c:c: > ......
::::l
0-
LLJ ......
....J 40 ...J ......
:::E:
~
0
V'l :: .-z: K LLJ 30 .-
z ......
LLJ
....J c:c: u
(/)
20 Na
Mg
10
Ca
o UTL
N03
Cl Cl
5°4 5°4 5°4
5°4 K
Na
Na
Na
Mg
HC0 3 HC0 3 Mg
HC0 3 HC0 3
Ca Ca Ca
LTL-I LTL-O UTR
Figure 3-3
TAZIMINA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
CAnON-ANION COMPOSITION
5°4
Na
N03
Cl
Mg 1r¥
-
K ;.;,.,
HC0 3 ...
Na
Ca
HC0 3
..,
Ca
LTR 5ML
that in most natural fresh waters in the United States copper concentrations
below 25 ~g/l as copper evidently are not rapidly fatal for most common fish
species. The copper concentration that would be fatal to fish in the lower
Tazimina River must be in excess of 7 ~g/l because this section of the river
supports an abundant fish population; or, this value was a laboratory error.
One composite water sample was collected from Lower Tazimina Lake for
organics analyses. PCB's, phenoxy acid herbicides, and organochloride
pesticides concentrations in this sample were below their respective detec-
tion limits (Table 3-3).
The water quality in the Tazimina system and Sixmile Lake is pristine,
and is characteristically clear, highly oxygenated, very soft, and low in
alkalinity. Mineralization is low and nutrient concentrations are low to
moderate.
3.1.4 Stream Temperature
As with the chemistry' data, stream temperature data other than occa-
sional spot measurements have only recently been obtained for the Tazimina
River. Two Ryan model J-90 thermographs were installed July 26, 1981 at
approximately River Miles 1.7 and 8.3 to record stream temperature data.
Two Datapod model DP2321 dual channel temperature recorders were installed
September 22 a~ River Miles 18 and 11.6 to monitor air and stream temper-
atures. Four additional Datapod recorders were installed in mid-October to
monitor air, stream, and intragravel temperatures (Figure 3-4).
Maximum, minimum, and average daily stream and air temperatures are
being obtained at two locations in the upper Tazimina basin: approximately
0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) below the outlet of Lower Tazimina Lake (River
Mile 18) and at the USGS stream gage (River Mile 11.6). The same informa-
tion is being recorded at the mouth of the river canyon near the proposed
powerhouse site (River Mile 8.3). In addition, the average four-hour stream
and intragravel water temperatures are being recorded at three locations in
the lower river where numerous sockeye salmon spawners were observed: Alexcy
3-17
Statiun
J
·1
5
/)
I,,, l:dl('(J/l'ulled
7/26 -10/12
10/15 -
10/15 -
10/15 -
10/15 -
10/15 -. .
"
c 1.-(l •
Temperature
Stn'am
Stream and intrab'Tavel
Stream and intrab'Tavel
Stream
Stream and intra(;Tavel
Stream
;--~ ,--~ ;--
Station
7
8
9
10
11
)~ . , 1-._-
Imlalled/PlIllpd T('rnperatllre
7/2(; . 10/1·1 ~trt'illll
10/15 -Str,'arn and air
10/14 -Stream and air
!l/21 -10/12 Stn'Olm and air
10/12 -SLream and air
S1/2} -10/12 Slrt'all1 and air . ~ ~~ --'--,
Figure 3-4
LOCA TIONS OF
TEMPERATURE STATIONS
IN 1981 FIELD SEASON
I
~ o
6
D.lllh'S & \fO(Ul'
-,-
Ryan
tlH>rm oJ..:ra ph
Data pod
thpfln0J..:rapl\
Braid (River Mile 5.5), Hudson Braid (River Mile 2.3), and in a single
channel reach of the mainstem below the Hudson Braid (River Mile 1.7). The
Ryan thermographs, which were installed July 26 at River Miles 1.7 and
8.3, were reinstalled in the mainstem of the Tazimina River upstream (River
Mile 5.7) and downstream (River Mile 4.8) of the Alexcy Braid to monitor
anticipated groundwater influence on winter stream temperatures.
Insufficient data and time were available as of this writing to provide
a meaningful discussion of the seasonal variation of stream temperatures or
the relationship between streamflow and intragravel water temperature.
However, a cursory review of the available data indicates that mainstem river
temperatures were approximately 10° to 12°C (50° to 54°F) from late July to
mid-September, then rapidly dropped to the 2° to 4°C (36° to 39°F) range by
early October (Tables 3-8 and 3-9). During the July through August period,
mean daily water temperatures were approximately 0.5°C warmer at River Mile
1.7 than at River Mile 8.3. From mid-September through mid-October, mean
daily stream temperatures are approximately 3°C cooler at River Mile 1.7 than
the outlet of Lower Tazimina Lake (River Mile 18).
Daily temperature variations during August ranged from 0° to 2.1 °c at
River Mile 8.3 and 0.2° to 3.3°C at River Mile 1.7 (Table 3-10). A repre-
sentative summer daily temperature change for the lower river would be
approximately 1° to 2°C. From late September through mid-October, daily
temperature variations ranged from 0° to 1.0°C at the outlet of Lower
Tazimina Lake, from 1° to 4.5°C at River Mile 11.6, and 0.2° to 2.0°C at
River Mile 1.7 (Table 3-11). Representative fall daily temperature changes
would be 0.5°C at the lake outlet and 1.5°C at River Mile 1.7.
3.2 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
3.2.1 Stream Uses
3.2.1.1 Run-of-River Concept
With the run-of-river concept, river flows would not be substantially
altered except within the steep stream segment between the dam and
3-19
TABLE 3-8
MEAN DAILY STREAM TEMPERATURES (OC) AT TWO LOCATIONS
ON THE TAZIMINA RIVER DURING JULY AND AUGUST 1981
July 1981 August 1981
. Canyon River Canyon River
Hauth Mouth Mouth Mouth
Date RM 8.3 RM 1.7 RM 8.3 RM 1.7
1 . 10.9 11.5
2 10.6 11.4
3 10.7 11.4
4 11.1 12.1
5 11.7 12.4
6 11.5 12.2
7 11. 7 12.3
8 11.7 12.4
9 11.7 12.4
10 11.5 12.2
11 11.2 11.9
12 11.2 11.9
13 10.9 11.1
14 10.5 11.0
15 10.0 10.5
16 10.2 10.7
17 10.0 10.4
18 10.0 10.4
19 10.1 10.5
20 9.6 10.0
21 9.7 10.7
22 10.0 10.5
23 10.1 10.5
24 10.0 10.3
25 10.6 11.5
26 12.2* 12.9* 11.3 11.9
27 11.9 12.6 11.2 1 t .• 8
28 11.7 12.3 11.2 12.0
29 11.4 11.9 ,11.1 11.8
30 11.0 11.6 10.7 11.1
31 11.0 11.6 10.8 11.4
*Thermograph ins talled July 26, 1981.
3-20
...
..
...
TABLE 3-9
MEAN DAILY STREAM TEMPERATURES (DC) AT FOUR LOCATIONS
ON THE TAZIMINA RIVER DURING SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 1981
September 1981 October 1981
Lake USGS Canyon River Lake USGS Canyon River
Outlet Gage Mouth Mouth Outlet Gage Mouth Mouth
Date RH 18 RM 11.6 RM 8.3 RM 1.7 RM IS' RM 11.6 RM 8.3 R.J.'1 1. 7
1 10.9 11.7 7.0 4~5 ** 4.3
2 .10.8 11.5 7.0 4.0 4.2
3 10.6 ·11.1 7.0 5.0 5.0
4 10.7 11.2 7.0 3.5 3.6
5 10.8 11.5 6.0 3:0 2.7
6 10.7 11.2 6.0 2.5 2.3
7 10.7 11.0 5.5 2.5 2.4
8 10.6 11.0 5.0 1.5 1.4
9 10.5 10.6 5.0 2.0 1.7
10 10.2 10.7 5.0 1.5 1.6
11 10.3 10.7 5.5 3.5 3.2
12 10.3 10.4 5.5 4.0 *** 3.7***
13 9.8 10.2
14 10.0 10.0
15 9.6 9.8
16 9.5 9.9
17 8.1 9.3
18 8.5 8.5
19 8.3 8.3
20 7.8 8.0
21 7.5* 7.2** 7.1
22 9.0* 7.5 6.9
23 9.0 7.5 7.4
24 9.0 7.5 6.8
25 8.5 7.0 6.2
26 8.5 6.0 6.0
27 8.5 6.5 6.3
28 8.0 6.0 5.6
29 7.5 5.0 5.1
30 7.5 4.0 4.5
* Thermograph installed July 26, 1981. ** Chart stopped September 21, 1981; thermograph removed October 12, 1981.
*** Thermograph removed October 12, 1981.
3-21
Date
Aug. 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
.9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
TABLE 3-10
MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM SUMMER STREAM TEMPERATURES (OC)
AT TWO LOCATIONS ON THE TAZIMINA RIVER
Canyon Mouth River Mouth
River Mile 8.3 River Mile 1.7
Mmc Min AT Max Min
11.0 10.6 0.4 11.7 11.3
10.8 10.5 0.3 12.0 11.0
11.3 10.1 1.2 12.3 10.4
12.0 10.5 1.5 13.0 11.2
12.2 11.2 1.0 13.2 11.8
11.8 11.3 0.5 12.6 12.0
12.0 11.2 0.8 13.0 11.8
11.9 11.4 0.5 12.9 11.9
11.9 11.4 0.5 12.8 12.0
11.8 11.2 0.6 12.6 12.0
11.4 11.0 0.4 12.0 11.8
11.7 11.0 0.7 12.3 11.5
11.0 10.8 0.2 11.5 10.8
10.8 10~2 0.6 11.3 10.8
lOA 9.7 0.7 11.0 9.9
10.7 9.7 1.0 11.5 9.8
10.2 10.2 0.0 10.5 10.3
10.2 9.9 0.3 10.8 10.2
10.2 9.9 0.3 10.7 10.0
10.0 9.3 0.7 10.3 9.5
10.3 9.1 1.2 11.3 9.3
10.8 9.2 1.6 11.8 9.5
10.8 9.6 1.2 11.3 10.0
10.3 9.8 0.5 10.8 9.9
11.8 10.0 1.8 12.8 lOA
12.5 lOA 2.1 13.6 10.5
12.2 10.5 1.7 13.1 10.8
12.2 10.3 1.9 13.8 10.5
12.0 10.5 1.5 13.0 11.0
11.2 10.1 1.1 12.0 10.2
11.2 10.5 0.7 12.0 11.0
3-22
-
AT
0.4
1.0
1.9
1.8
1.4
0.6
1.2
1.0 "'.
0.8
0.6
0.2
0.8
0.7
0.5
1.1 OIl'
1.7
0.2
0.6
0.7
0.8
2.0
2.3
1.3
0.9
2.4
3.1
2.3
3.3
2.0
1.8
1.0
Date
Sept. 21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Oct. 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
TABLE 3-11
MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM FALL STREAM TEMPERATURES (OC) AT
TWO LOCATIONS ON THE TAZIMINA RIVER
Lake Outlet River l\louth
River Mile 18.0 River Mile 1.7
Max Min AT Max Min AT
8.0 6.3 1.7
9.0 8.5 0.5 7.8 6.0 1.8
9.0 9.0 0.0 7.8 7.0 0.8
9.0 8.5 0.5 7.2 6.5 0.7
9.0 8.5 0.5 7.0 5.5 1.5
8.5 8.0 0.5 6.8 5.1 1.7
8.5 8.5 0.0 7.0 5.7 1.3
8.5 8.0 0.5 6.5 5.2 .1.3
8.0 7.5 0.5 5.8 4.5 1.3
7.5 . 7.0 0.5 5.2 3.8 1.4
7.0 7.0 0.0 4.2 3.5 0.7
7.0 6.5 0.5 5.0 3.2 1.8
7.5 7.0 0.5 5.4 4.6 0.8
7.5 6.5 1.0 5.0 3.0 2.0
6.5 6.0 0.5 3.4 2.2 1.2
6.0 5.5 0.5 2.8 2.0 1.8·
6.0 5.5 0.5 2.8 1.8 1.0
5.5 5.0 0.5 1.9 0.6 1.3
5.5 5.0 0.5 2.3 1.2 1.1
5.5 5.0 0.5 2.5 0.5 2.0
6.0 5.0 1.0 3.8 2.5 1.3
6.0 5.5 0.5 3.8 3.6 0.2
3-23
powerhouse. That portion of the Tazimina drainage upstream from the dam
would not be affected. Impacts to existing stream uses downstream from the
powerhouse such as recreational and subsistence fishing and navigation on the
lower river would not be significant as a result of hydrological changes.
Boat access to the lower canyon area for fishing and scenic viewing could be
hampered. Enhanced access to the Tazimina River as a result of construction
roadways could alter the extent of use and, thus, indirectly affect the
ability of the river to support traditional use (see discussions in subse-
quent chapters).
3.2.1.2 Storage Concept
The storage concept would significantly alter the flow regime within the
Tazimina River below the dam. These alterations could affect fish resources
as discussed in Chapter 4, and thus affect stream use. Navigability of the
lower river could be enhanced since storage would cause moderation of extreme
flows and water levels would not become extremely low. However, boat access
to the falls area may be impossible at most times of the year.
The Tazimina drainage upstream from the dam would be altered by the
presence of the reservoir. Lower Tazimina Lake would become much larger.
Traditional uses of this area would be affected to the extent that fish and
game populations may be affected. In addition, the fluctuating water level
would hamper shore-based recreational activities. Possible biological
impacts are discussed in Chapter 4.
Enhanced access to the Tazimina River could increase human use and,
thus, indirectly affect the ability of the river to support traditional
••
"',
tt,r
uses. ~
3.2.2 Streamflow
3.2.2.1 Run-of-River Concept
The proposed local run-of-river project would withdraw water from behind
a small diversion dam and discharge through a powerhouse at the mouth of the
3-24
...
canyon (River Mile 8.3). Average monthly generating flows would range
between 58 and 111 cfs; with diversions to meet peak monthly power demands
ranging as high as 166 cfs (Critikos, personal communication).
Streamflow diversions to meet generating requirements for the proposed
run-of-river project would reduce average monthly streamflows through a
2-kilometer (1.2-mile) river segment above the mouth of the canyon, but would
not affect streamflows below the powerhouse (Table 3-12).
Under postproject conditions, long-term average monthly streamflows
within the canyon during the May through October period would be reduced
from 2 to 10 percent. Due to the steep rapids and adjoining pools in the
canyon, reductions in streamflow of such magnitudes are not anticipated to
significantly change the range of depths and velocities normally found in the
river canyon during this period of the year.
However, if unseasonably low flows occur during late summer and early
fall, diversions to the powerhouse would cause wider short-term deviations
from natural flow conditions. Insufficient data are available to describe
the annual variability of streamflows in the Tazimina River. Therefore, a
determination cannot be made as to the effect of the powerhouse diversion on
streamflow through the canyon during years of unseasonably low flow.
The most significant reduction in long-term average monthly streamflow
(30 to 96 percent) would occur between November and the end of April. The
effect of decreased winter streamflows on depth and velocities is diffi-
cult to forecast due to the presence of ice in the river channel. However,
in some years the river between the dam and powerhouse would probably be dry
during the late winter months.
The presence of ice in a river channel causes a backwater effect, which
results in slower velocities and greater depths than would otherwise be
associated with that streamflow. Although not observed, the formation of
slush ice and anchor ice is expected to be an annual occurrence in the
Tazimina River canyon. This would result in a greater depth of flow than
3-25
TABLE 3-12
PRE-AND POSTPROJECT STREAMFLOWS FOR LOCAL RUN-OF-RIVER DEVELOPMENT
Generating Flow Postproject Flow Percent Reduction
Preproject (cfs) in Canyon (cfs) Pre to Postproject
Month (cfs) Avg. Peak Avg. Peak Avg. Peak ..
January 197 105 139 92 58 53 70 ..
February 115 111 139 4 96 100 ....
March 113 89 132 24 79 100 ..
April 110 83 111 27 75 100
...
May 761 74 111 687 650 10 15
-June 2889 65 69 2824 2820 2 2
'" ,
July 3254 58 76 3196 3178 2 2 lilt
August 2737 72 138 2665 2599 3 5 .'
September 1844 87 125 1757 1719 5 7
October 1388 94 139 1294 1249 7 10 .'
November 350 105 145 245 205 30 41 -
December 350 105 166 245 184 30 47
---
3-26
would exist for a similar discharge during the open water season. The
magnitude of the increase in depth caused by ice under preproject conditions
is unknown.
Reduced postproject streamflows may increase the formation of anchor and
slush ice in the Tazimina River canyon. The depth of flow associated with
such a condition is also unknown. Since the magnitude of backwater effects
associated with pre-and postproject icing conditions is unknown, the effect
of streamflow reductions on depths and velocities cannot be estimated. With
respect to preproject conditions, it is impossible to determine if the depth
would increase or decrease under postproject conditions.
3.2.2.2 Storage Concept
An 18-meter (60-foot) high dam would be constructed at River Mile 13.1
to impound water and provide total regulation of streamflow from the upper
two thirds of the Tazimina River basin. This impoundment would increase the
surface area size of Lower Tazimina Lake from 1,659 hectares (4,100 acres) to
3,319 hectares (8,200 acres), principally be inundating three existing
pond ages on the Tazimina River between the dam site and outlet to Lower
Tazimina Lake. The water surface elevation of Lower Tazimina Lake is
expected to increase by 14 meters (45 feet; from 197 to 210 meters [645 to
690 feet]). Water would be withdrawn into a closed conduit at the storage
dam, travel through a powerhouse located at approximate River Mile 8.3, and
be returned to the Tazimina River.
Tazimina River Canyon -Natural streamflow in the Tazimina River canyon
would be drastically altered throughout the year. Streamflows would either be
stored behind the dam or diverted around this river segment in a closed
conduit to the powerhouse. An unknown amount of flow would likely occur from
surface runoff and groundwater inflow to the river channel below the dam.
Although this flow is expected to be relatively insignificant, the river
canyon is not expected to become dewatered. Several deep scour holes exist
in the river canyon. These holes would retain relatively large volumes of
water even when streamflows were extremely small.
3-27
Spills are expected from the reservoir during late summer and early
fall. These spills could provide appreciable but temporary flow in the
canyon segment. Spills are not expected to occur every year; it is most
likely they would occur during years of high runoff or in association with
intense summer rainstorms.
Below the Powerhouse -Streamflows below the powerhouse would be reduced
during summer months (probably June through September) and augmented during
the winter months (November through April). Since very little natural flow
is expected through the river canyon, it is most likely that winter stream-
flows below the powerhouse would be very close to actual generation flows.
Any power peaking or daily load factoring that might occur would be directly
ev idenced in dail y or weekI y streamflow patterns. Field investigations
during October 1981 documented the inflow of approximately 50 cfs of ground
water in the Alexc y Braid. This is probably a very significant factor in
maintaining preproject winter base flows in the lower river. However,
postproject generation flows are quite likely to negate the importance of
groundwater inflows in maintaining mid-winter streamflows.
Summer streamflows below the powerhouse would be the sum of the power-
house outflows plus the streamflow at the mouth of the Tazimina River canyon.
Generally speaking, powerhouse outflows are not expected to dominate daily or
weekly streamflow patterns during the summer months to the same degree as
during the winter months. Snowmelt runoff entering the river channel below
the dam site, reservoir spills, and rainstorm runoff would combine with
powerhouse out flows at various times during the open water season to shape
the postproject, summer streamflow pattern.
Because the single channeled sections of the Tazimina River are rela-
tively uniform in gradient and rectangular in cross-section, significant
changes in streamflow have relatively little effect on the top width or
wetted area of the channel. The most apparent changes are associated with
depth and velocity (Table 3-13).
3-28
..
...
-
.'
..
..
..
....
Date
Aug 11
Aug 29
oct 13
Streamflow
cfs
2,415
1,582
664
TABLE 3-13
COMPARISON OF HYDRAULIC CONDITIONS FOR
SELECTED DISCHARGES IN A SINGLE CHANNEL
SEGMENT OF THE TAZIMINA RIVER*
Top Width
m (ft)
68 (223)
66 (217)
65 (214)
Average
Velocity
fps
4.3
3.7
2.3
Average
Depth
m (ft)
0.8 (2.5)
0.6 (2.0)
0.4 (1.3)
*Information derived from actual discharge measurements.
3-29
Flow
Area
m2 (ft2)
52 (557)
40 (429)
26 (284)
Hydraulic conditions within the braided reaches of the Tazimina River
are more affected by changes in streamflow than the single channel segments,
but not as much as one might initially suspect. Aerial surveys, staff gage
readings, and streamflow measurements were used as a basis for determining
the discharge required to maintain surface flow from the mainstem into the
side channel braids (Table 3-14).
Because of its apparent susceptibility to being dewatered, the Alexcy
side channel was selected as an index station. Staff gage readings and
discharge measurements were periodically obtained to describe flow conditions
in this side channel for corresponding levels of flow in the mainstem. As
mainstem flows receded in September, this side channel was one of the first
to be cut off from the mainstem and its upstream end. Overflights during the
October 13 -19 field study indicated that numerous side channels in the
Alexcy and Hudson Braids were either flowing or wetted by intragravel seepage
and ponded water but the index station in the Alexcy Braid was substantially
dewatered. Therefore, we concluded that mainstem streamflows of 1,000 cfs
would provide access for fish throughout most of the existing side channel
braids in the lower 10 kilometers (6.5 miles) of the Tazimina River. And,
mainstem streamflows in excess of 600 cfs would prevent most of the side
channels from being significantly dewatered at their upper end.
No winter field investigations have yet been conducted. Hence the
degree to which side channels currently dewater during winter months is
unknown. However, field observations and streamflow measurements made during
October strongly suggest that groundwater inflows maintain base flow in many
of the side channels.
3.2.3 Water Quality and Limnology
3.2.3.1 Run-of-River Concept
Construction details have not been developed; therefore, construction
impacts cannot be analyzed in detail. Construction-induced erosion would be
the source of greatest potential impact to water quality and would continue
3-30
-
-
-
..,.
...
Date
July 26
August 11
August 12
August 17
August 19
August 28
August 29
September 21
September 25
October 13
October 19
TABLE 3-14
COMPARISON OF ALEXCY BRAID
SIDE CHANNEL FLOWS TO TAZIMINARIVER STREAMFLOWS
Gage Height
m (ft)
0.38 (1.25)
0.37 (1.24)
0.39 (1.28)
0.42 ( 1.40)
0.40 (1.34)
0.13 (0.44)
0.10 (0.35)
Dewatered
Dewatered
Dewatered
Dewatered
Sidechannel
Flow
cfs
118
105
8.9
3-31
USGS Gage
cfs
2,400
2,380
2,460
2,840
2,470
1,500
1,450
718
654
493
556
until all disturbed areas are stabilized. Construction activity could cause
considerable siltation and turbidity, and a possible increase in nutrients.
The magnitude and duration of these effects would vary and would be propor-
tional to the amount of erosion, gradient, distance from the disturbance to a
stream or lake, and erosion control techniques. The ultimate impact of these
effects would be reflected in terms of their impact on aquatic biota.
It is not known whether the construction work force would be housed in
Nondalton or in a temporary camp onsite. Some impact to water quality,
either on or offsite, would be expected from water usage and the disposal of
sanitary wastes during construction.
Some water use would be required during construction, other than for
domestic use. Water for mixing concrete would probably be supplied from the
Tazimina River. Water used to clean concrete mixing and handling equipment
could adversely impact water resources if improperly discharged. The method
for disposal of this water is not known but effluents would have to meet
State and federal guidelines.
The impact of solid waste disposal on water resources should be negli-
gible since solid waste would be contained, and removed from the area or
incinerated and buried in approved land fills.
Accidents such as oil leaks or spills and upsets in waste treatment
could affect water quality in local areas. Upsets in waste treatment facil-
ities and/or improper waste disposal would increase the BOD and nutrient
loading and possibly introduce undesirable elements into the Tazimina drain-
age. The magnitude of impact would be proportional to the volume of waste
and duration of upset. Spills or leaks of petroleum products reaching
a water course would adversely affect water quality by inhibiting atmospheric
reaeration. Also, the light fraction from petroleum products would dissolve
in the water column, thereby potentially affecting biota. The duration and
magnitude of impact would depend on the season, length of time the spill or
leak continues, volume, type of product, and location, as well as the effect-
iveness and timeliness of containment and cleanup.
3-32
...
..
.'
Operation and maintenance of the proposed hydroelectric facility should
h~ve little effect on the water quality of the Tazimina River. Downstream
from the powerhouse discharge, alkalinity, pH, and free carbon dioxide would
be at levels similar to existing values. Dissol ved oxygen concentrations
would probably be slightly lower because most of the water would bypass the
existing falls. Dissolved oxygen below the falls is probably supersaturated
at the present time. Turbulence in the powerhouse and tailrace could
offset this effect depending on the final tailrace design.
3.2.3.2 Storage Concept
Construction-induced water quality impacts would be similar to those
described for the run-of-river concept except that the potential magnitude
would be much greater because of the larger dam size and much greater com-
plexity of the construction effort.
It is assumed that river water would be diverted away from the construc-
tion area during dam construction and, thus, would be relatively unaffected
until dam completion. During reservoir filling, river flows would be much
reduced and some degradation in water quality could occur at this time.
Water quality in the section of creek between the dam and powerhouse may
experience short-term degradation because of the wide range in potential
discharge during low flow periods. For example, conductivity would. be higher
during low flow periods. These effects should not adversely affect water
quality in the lower Tazimina River because of the dilution factor of the
powerhouse discharge.
Creation of a reservoir above the dam would greatly increase the size of
Lower Tazimina Lake and change its limnological characteristics. Shallow
inundation of vegetated areas would lead to decay of organic material,
depletion of dissolved oxygen and possible release of some nutrients.
Because of the circulation through the lake and cold water temperatures, it
is unlikely that these water quality changes would be significant except in
localized areas. Localized oxygen depletion would be most likely to occur
3-33
during the winter. Some shore erosion and increased turbidity could occur as
a result of wave action on unstable shorelines.
3.2.4 Stream Temperature
3.2.4.1 Run-of-River Concept
Since a storage reservoir would not be constructed as part of the
proposed run-of-river project, stream temperatures would not be influenced by
an upstream impoundment.
Stream temperature is most influenced by solar radiation, surface area
of the stream, and ambient air temperature. Reach velocity only becomes an
important factor influencing water temperature when very large changes in
velocity are anticipated. The anticipated effects of the proposed powerhouse
diversions on the surface area and reach velocity of the river during the
period May through September would result in insignificant changes in stream
temperature.
Although no data have been reviewed, preproject winter stream temper-
atures in the canyon area are expected to be near zero. The proposed 30 to
96 percent reduction in winter streamflow through the canyon is not expected
to result in substantially colder mid-winter stream temperatures. However
reduced streamflows during the period October through December are likely to
accelerate the cooling process, causing stream temperatures in the canyon to
reach the near zero mark, and ice to begin forming in the channel earlier in
the year.
3.2.4.2 Storage Concept
Unless a special intake structure is installed in the dam, it is quite
likely that the postproject stream temperatures would be significantly
di fferent from preproject temperatures. Although very Ii ttle temperature
data are available for the Tazimina River, it is anticipated that winter
stream temperatures are near zero, and intragravel temperatures are between
3-34
....
•
...
•
.,
....
0 0 and 4°C (32 0 and 39°F). Summer stream temperatures during summer 1981
ranged from 8 0 to 12°C (46 0 to 54°F). In general, the proposed reservoir
is expected to narrow the overall range between winter and summer stream
temperatures.
The proposed dam would increase the surface area of Lower Tazimina Lake
from 1,659 to 3,319 hectares (4,100 to 8,200 acres) and provide a live
storage volume of approximately 184,000 acre-feet. The reservoir is expected
to be at high pool elevation in August and at low pool elevation in May.
Depending upon the previous year's snowfall and the amount of carry-over in
live pool storage, this might represent a reservoir draw down of 9 to 12
meters (30 to 40 feet).
Solar radiation, wind action, and inflow to the reservoir are expected
to provide ample mixing action. Mid-summer temperatures in the upper 11 to
12 meters (35 to 40 feet) of the reservoir should be quite uniform and
similar to preproject water temperatures in the upper 11 meters of Lower
Tazimina Lake. Thus, stream temperatures during mid~summer and early fall
below the powerhouse are expected to be similar to preproject stream
temperatures (in the 8 0 to 12°C range).
Dur ing late fall and early winter (late September and November), lake
temperatures would cool, and theoretically stratify with surface water
temperatures near zero and the underlying water at 4°C (39°F). At the
beginning of this period, the reservoir would be nearly full and lake
temperatures at the 9 to 12-meter depth would not likel y diffe r from August
temperatures. Unless large spills occurred at the dam, nearly all the
streamflow below the powerhouse would originate from a depth 0 f 11 to 12
meters beneath the reservoir surface, and be shielded from contact with
outside air temperatures until released into the river channel from the
powerhouse. As a result, it is quite likely that under postproject condi-
tions late September and earl y October stream temperatures would be in the
range of 7 0 to 10°C (45 0 to 50°F); November and December temperatures in the
4 0 to 6°C (39 0 to 43°F) range.
3-35
During winter the surface water temperature in the reservoir is expected
to be near zero. However, temperatures in the reservoir at the depth of the
outlet are likely to be in the range of 4°C. Hence, winter (January to
April) stream temperatures below the powerhouse would be in the range of 4°C.
Winter stream temperatures would remain about 4°C until the reservoir was
drawn down to a level at which the colder surface water would enter the
outlet. Some degree of mixing would likely take place in the reservoir near
the outlet. Thus it is doubt ful that the temperature of the powerhouse
out flows would suddenly drop from 4°C to zero. However, downstream water
temperatures could become slightly cooler than 4°C during May when the
reservoir is at its greatest drawdown. The temperature of powerhouse out-
flows may then range betwen 1° and 3°C (34° and 37°F).
3-36
..
REFERENCES
ADEC, 1979. Water quality standards. Alaska Department of Environmental
Conservation, Juneau, Alaska, 34 pp.
EPA, 1976. Quality criteria for water. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, D.C., 255 pp.
EPA, 1980. Guidelines establishing test procedures for the analysis of
pollutants. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Register, 45,
79318-79379 (November 28, 1980).
McNeely, R.N., V.P. Neimanis, and L. Dwyer, 1979. Water quality sourcebook--
a guide to water quality parameters. Envionment Canada, Inland Waters
Directorate, Water Quality Branch, Ottawa, Canada, 88 pp.
Sittig, Marshall, 1981. Handbook of toxic and hazardous chemicals. Noyes
Publications, Park Ridge, New Jersey, 729 pp.
3-37
4.0 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
4.1 EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS
4.1.1 Terrestrial Communities
!
4.1.1.1 Vegetation
A detailed description of the structure and floristic composition of
each vegetation type and its distribution within the study area is given in
Appendix A.
Generally, the vegetation can be characterized as interior Alaska boreal
forest throughout most of area below 610 meters (2000 feet) elevation with
white spruce (Picea glauca) and paper birch (Betula paperifera) forest, black
spruce (Picea mariana) woodlands, and several low shrub (heath) communities.
The lowland areas adjacent to the lower Tazimina River and on old
floodplain terraces appear to be quite dry and wind blown. They support
large low shrub stands, principally of dwarf birch (Betula ~), bog blue-
berry (Vaccinium uliginosum), labrador tea (Ledum decumbens), and lichens
(Cetraria spp., Cladonia spp., Peltigera spp., Stereocaulon spp.). The low
shrub areas are interspersed with both white and black spruce trees but total
cover is lower than that required for a forest woodland classification. The
spruce and birch components are more developed within small microsites that
are more sheltered from the wind and have adequate moisture. Many of the
trees on the exposed ridges show signs of flagging, a result of high wind
stress.
The lower, poorly drained areas along Sixmile Lake and north of the
river mouth also are dominated by low shrub but have a high percentage of
cottongrass (Eriophorum spp.) and sedges (Carex spp.) and resemble wet tundra
types.
The vegetation immediately adjacent to the lower Tazimina River is
strikingly different from the surrounding area and is dominated by mixed
4-1
stands of white spruce and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) with a willow
dominated shrub layer on younger terraces and mixed white spruce/paper
birch stands on older, less cobbly surfaces. Dense stands of tall shrubs,
principally felt-leafed willow (Salix alexensis) occur in areas of periodic
flooding and have a lush understory of grasses (Calamagrostis canadensis) and
forbs.
The mountainous area surrounding the Lower Tazimina and Upper Tazimina
Lakes is covered by several plant communities according to slope, aspect and
moisture regime. Aspect appears to be the major factor in the distribution
of plant communities. The floor of the valley is largely coniferous woodland
with dwarf birch, heath and lichen dominating the understory. In areas with
northern exposure or poor drainage, the dominant species is black spruce with
occasional white spruce. White spruce dominates in areas of slightly better
drainage and along streams.
Deciduous paper birch forests are best developed on upland colluvial
slopes, especiall y on south facing slopes. These stands do have a small
percentage of white spruce along with a luxuriant understory of bluejoint
grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) and feathermoss (Pleurozium schreberi,
ptilium crista-castrensis, Dicranum spp.). In areas of less favorable
conditions, primarily along the north side of the lakes, the white spruce
becomes more prevalent and develops into a mixed forest type.
Tall shrub communities of alder (Alnus sinuata) and willows (Salix spp.)
occur in conjunction with rich stands of bluejoint in open subalpine areas.
In areas of abundant moisture from late-melting snow fields, a very diverse
complement of understory species develops.
The alpine area, generally above 762 meters (2500 feet), supports shrub
tundra and mat and cushion tundra formations dominated by crowberry, bear-
berry (Arctostaphylos alpina), narrow-leafed Laborador tea, white mountain
avens (Dryas octapetala) , prostrate willows (Salix arctica, S. glauca) and
bog blueberry. At higher elevation, vegetation appeared rather sparse with
many barren areas and fell field habitats. In areas 0 f late-melting snow
4-2
...
..
..
-
t-'
fields, a much more diverse plant community develops with leutkea (Leutkea
pectinata), Alaskan cassiope (Cassiope lycopodiodes) and several forb
species.
Riparian areas along tributaries of Lower Tazimina Lake typically have
either low shrub communities of sweet gale (Myrica gale), willows, and
shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruiticosa) or white spruce and balsam poplar
with a dense understory of willow. Pure stands of willow occur in areas of
frequent flooding.
Freshwater marshes are rather limited around Lower Tazimina Lake. The
largest marsh occurs at the head of the lake where beaver ponds and
backwater sloughs provide standing water. Emergent vegetation consists of
sedges (Carex aquatilus, .£:. rostratus) and some yellow pond lilies (Nuphar
polysepalum) • Centers of late successional stage bogs also support small
areas of emergent vegetation.
From a successional standpoint, it can probably be assumed that the
composition of the major upland plant communities is relatively stable. Some
long-term change may be occurring but would not be significant from a
practical standpoint. Plant communities within riparian and lakeshore areas
are more dynamic because of the intermittant perturbations created by
flooding, beaver activit y, and stream channel erosion. Local changes in
vegetation type can occur frequently in riparian zones but the overall
character of the riparian habitats would be expected to remain consistent in
the absence of artificial watershed alteration.
4.1.1.2 Birds
Considerable data on the birds of this region are available from prev-
ious studies of the Iliamna Lake area (Williamson and Peyton 1962), Katmai
National Park (Cahalane 1944) and the Lake Clark National Park area (Racine
and Young 1978)". The work of Williamson and Peyton (1962) is the most
comprehensive and most applicable to the study area. This study categorized
the local bird species according to their affinity for ecological formations
4-3
or habitat types. This region was found to support a mixture of bird species
typical of the moist coniferous forest (5 species), coniferous forest (38
species) and tundra biome (20 species).
Observations of birds were recorded during the August 1981 field season
on an opportunistic basis in conj unction with other field projects. The
observations were not sufficient to make any definitive statements on the
avifauna of the study area but they generally concured with the findings of
prev ious studies. A species list including previously documented birds as
well as birds observed during the 1981 studies is given on Table 4-1. A total
of 103 species were documented in the Lake Iliamna area by Williamson
and Peyton (1962) and an additional eight species were found in the Lake
Clark area (Racine and Young 1978).
4.1.1.3 Mammals
Mammals of the Tazimina Lake area and the Bristol Bay region are largely
representative of interior boreal forest ecosystems. A total of 15 species
were documented within the study area during the field season in August 1981.
An additional 20 species, which were not observed during this study, could
occur in small numbers or at least occasionally inhabit the region. A
tentative list of mammals of this region is given in Table 4-2.
Tazimina River Drainage - A qualitative small mammal trapping study was
undertaken to determine species composition and habitat preference of common
small mammal species. The results indicated that the red-backed vole
(Clethr~onomys rutilus) and the masked shrew (Sorex cinereus) were the most
abundant small mammals and occur throughout a wide range of habitat types.
Other major mammal species of the study area include beavers (Castor
canadensis), fox (Vulpes fulva), black bear (Ursus americana), brown bear
(Ursus arctos), moose (Alces alces), caribou (Rangifer arcticus) and Dall
sheep (Ovis dalli}.
4-4
..
TABLE 4-1
AVIFAUNA OF THE LAKE ILIAMNA AND LAKE CLARK REGION
*Common loon
*Arctic loon
Red-throated loon
Red-necked grebe
Double-crested cormorant
*Whistling swan
Canada goose
*Mallard
Pintail
Green-winged teal
American wigeon
Shoveler
Greater scaup
*Common goldeneye
Barrow's goldeneye
*Har lequin duck
White-winged scoter
Surf scoter
Black scoter
*Red-breasted merganser
Goshawk
Sharp-shinned hawk
Rough-legged hawk
Golden eagle
"Bald eagle
Marsh hawk
Osprey
Gyrfalcon
Peregr ine falcon
Merlin
Spruce grouse
Willow ptarmigan
Rock ptarmigan
White-tailed ptarmigan
Semipalmated plover
Golden plover
Black-bellied plover
Surfbird
Black turnstone
*Common snipe
*Spotted sandpiper
Wandering tattler
"Greater yellowlegs
Least sandpiper
Short-billed dowitcher
Northern phalarope
Parasitic jaeger
Long-tailed jaeger
*Glaucous-winged gull
Herring gull
*Mew gull
Bonaparte's gull
Arctic tern
Marbled murre let
*Great horned owl
Hawk owl
"Birds observed on 19B1 field trip.
Great gray owl
Short-eared owl
Boreal owl
Saw-whet owl
"Belted kingfisher
"Hairy woodpecker
Downy woodpecker
Black-backed three-toed woodpecker
"Northern three-toed woodpecker
Say's phoebe
Horned lark
Traill's flycatcher
Violet-green swallow
Tree swallow
Bank swallow
Barn swallow
Cli ff swallow
"Gray jay
"Black-billed magpie
"Common raven
"Black-capped chickadee
Boreal chickadee
"Dipper
Brown creeper
"Robin
Varied thrush
Wheatear
"Hermit thrush
Swainson's thrush
Gray-cheeked thrush
Arctic warbler
Ruby-crowned kinglet
Golden-crowned kinglet
Water pipit
"Bohemian waxwing
"Northern shrike
Orange-crowned warbler
"Yellow warbler
Yellow-rumped warbler
Blackpoll warbler
Northern waterthrush
Wilson's warbler
Rusty blackbird
"Common redpoll
Pine grosbeak
Pine siskin
White-winged crossbill
Savannah sparrow
"Dark-eyed junco
Tree sparrow
"White-crowned sparrow
"Golden-crowned sparrow
Fox sparrow
Lincoln's sparrow
Lapland longspur
Snow bunting
Source: '.~illiamson and Peyton 1962, Racine and Young, 1978.
4-5
TABLE 4-2
MAMMALS OF THE LAKE ILLIAMNA AND LAKE CLARK AREAS
Order Insectivora (Shrews)
*Sorex cinereus -Masked shrew
S. obscurus -Dusky shrew
S. palustris -Northern water shrew
Microsorex hoyi -Pigmy shrew
Order Chiroptera (Bats)
Myotis lucifugus -Little brown bat
Order Lagomorpha
Ochotona collaris -Pika
*Lepus americanus -Shoeshoe hare
Order Rodentia (Rodents)
Marmota caligata -Hoary marmot
*Citellus perryii -Arctic ground squirrel
*Tamiasciurus hudsonicus -Red squirrel
Glaucomys sabrinus -Northern flying squirrel
*Castor canadensis -Beaver
~ynaptomys borealis -Northern bog lemming
Lemmus trimucronatus -Brown lemming
*Clethrionomys rutilus -Red-backed vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus -Meadow vole
Microtus oeconomus -Tundra vole
Ondatra zibethicus -Muskrat
~apus hudsonius -Meadow jumping mouse
Erethizon dorsatum -Porcupine
Order Carnivora
Canis latrens -Coyote
**Canis lupus -Wolf
*Vulpes fulva -Red fox
*Ursus americana -Black bear
*Ursus arctos -Brown Bear
Martes americana -Marten
Mustela erminea -Short-tailed weasel
M. rixosa -Least weasel
*~ vison -Mink
Gulo gulo -Wolverine
**Lutra canadensis -River otter
**Lynx canadensis -Lynx
Order Artiodactyla
*Alces alces -Moose
*Rangifera arcticus -Caribou
Ovis dalli -Dall sheep
*Mammals observed during 1981 field trip (directly or indirectly) at
Tazimina Lake.
**Additional mammals observed by Richard Russell (ADF&G) at Tazimina Lake.
Source: (Manville and Young 1965, Racine and Young 1978, Russell 1979).
4-6
...
.'
..
'"
...
,"
Beaver are distributed widely in suitable habitat along the lower and
upper Tazimina River, drainages of Roadhouse Mountain, tributaries of the
Lower Tazimina Lake and in a few small upland ponds on the north side of
Lower Tazimina Lake. A total of 15 active beaver lodges were located by
aerial survey of the watershed but actual numbers may be higher.
Evidence of fox activity was found in several areas along Lower Tazimina
Lake and one active den site was located near the falls on the lower river.
Fox appeared to be quite common throughout the area.
Black bears were observed twice during the study period but did not
appear to be abundant. This region is near the southern limit of their
range in western Alaska (Manville and Young 1965).
Brown bears were one of the most commonly observed large mammals in the
area. Bear were seen mostly along salmon streams such as the lower Tazimina
River and the main tributary of Alexcy Lake. Several bears were also seen in
the open, low shrub areas on the lower slopes o~ Roadhouse Mountain and in
sub-alpine areas. Both adults and sub-adults were using the area during
August.
A small number of moose were sighted in the Tazimina drainage with most
of the animals concentrated along the upper Tazimina River between the upper
and lower lakes. Five individuals, probably residents of the watershed, were
counted on aerial surveys on August 22. The total population of the water-
shed is probably somewhat higher.
Caribou occurred in small numbers, usually one or two throughout the
open lowland area along the old floodplain of the lower Tazimina River
and the lower foothills of Roadhouse Mountain. Caribou are known to occa-
sionally occur in this area throughout the year but much higher numbers
are found west of the Newhalen River. No major wintering concentrations are
known to use this particular area.
4-7
The Tazimina watershed is at the fringe of the southern range of the
Dall sheep in western Alaska. Sheep are occasionally seen in the alpine
areas of the mountains along the north side of the lakes. Aerial surveys in
1968 by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game documented 21 adults and 3
lambs above Upper Tazimina Lake but subsequent surveys in 1973 documented
only 5 sheep (personal communication, Dick Sellers, ADF&G). It is likely
that no sheep reside in the area year-round. No sheep were seen during the
field survey in August.
Bristol Bay Region -In order to aid in siting transmission corridors,
big game and other wildlife use areas within the Bristol Bay region have been
outlined on Plate I along with other resource values. Information was
obtained through the literature, interviews with ADF&G personnel, and aerial
surveys conducted in September 1981.
4.1.1.4 Habitat Evaluation of Lower Tazimina Lake ,Area
Wildli fe habitats were evaluated within and adjacent to the proposed
reservoir area in order to assess potential impacts of inundation. Habitat
quality was delineated for key species (beaver, brown bear, moose and
caribou). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1980) has developed indices of
suitablity for selected Alaska mammals as related to various habitat para-
meters. These suitability curves provided the basis for determining optimum
quality habitats. Habitat parameters used to evaluate habitat quality for
each key species are presented in Table 4-3. For each parameter, values
corresponding to the upper end of the suitability curves (index 0.8 -1.0)
were identified and defined as optimum. Optimum habitats were then
identified based on a composite of the various vegetation, physical charac-
teristics, and life requisite factors listed in Table 4-3. This delineation
was not dependent on actual usage but rather on those criteria that would
provide quality habitat.
Beaver -Major habitat requirements for beaver revolve around abundant
food species (primarily willow and poplar) and low stream gradient necessary
4-8
•
",.,
...
....'
-
..
.'
..
..
..
..
SPECIES
Beaver
Brown Bear
Moose
Caribou
TABLE 4-3
MAJOR HABITAT PARAMETERS USED TO EVALUATE
VEGETATION TYPES FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT
MAJOR HABITAT CRITERIA
t
Percent cover by willow, poplar, birch
Average DBH
Distance to willow, poplar, birch
Sinuosity of flowing water
Percent Arctagrostis, Calamagrostis, Equisetum
Percent berry producing plants
Percent alder and willow cover
Distance to salmon stream
Dominant browse species
Percent shrub and sampling cover (in forest)
Crown cover
Dominant forest type
Herbaceous ground cover
Interspersion with feedings and cover habitat
Sedge and grass composition
Lichen cover
Shrub community
Forbs in ground cover
Source: USFWS 1980.
4-9
for dam construction. The highest quality beaver habitat was found along
tributary streams that feed into Lower Tazimina Lake, along the braided
streambeds of the upper Tazimina River (between the lakes) and along the
lower Tazimina River (Figures 4-2 and 4-3). No significant beaver activity
was noticed within Lower Tazimina Lake, suggesting lower habitat quality
compared with the tributaries. The drainages of Roadhouse Mountain that run
just south of the lower Tazimina River into Alexcy Lake also provide good
habitat for beaver.
Upland terraces along the northern shore of Lower Tazimina Lake provide
some beaver habitat, but only a few areas were actually used. The mouths of
tr ibutaries along the lake were used by beaver but activity along the lake
shore was minimal. Optimum habitat was generally restricted to areas along
streams and braided rivers.
Moose -Moose are primarily associated with upland shrub and lowland
bog communities and early successional communities created by disturbance
(LeResche et a!. 1974). Percent willow, percent sapling and shrub cover,
and interspersion with wetlands were the major considerations in this evalu-
ation.
Areas of high quality moose habitat were generally limited to the
riparian open spruce forest between Upper and Lower Tazimina Lakes, mixed
spruce-birch forests and tall shrub communities along the tributaries
of the lower lake, the aluv ium of the lower Tazimina River, and along the
tributaries to Lake Alexcy (Figures 4-4 and 4-5).
The spruce woodlands around most of Lower Tazimina Lake were ranked less
suitable due to the lack of low willows and lack of cover. Snow depth
may limit the amount of winter habitat around the upper portion of Lower
Tazimina Lake but this was the only area where significant "hedging" of
browse species was noticed. Most all observations of moose occurred either
in riparian or aquatic habitats at the head of Lower Tazimina Lake.
4-10
•
"","
...
•
~:::?:.?:/:~;: ....... : • ! .-..... -..... -........
OPTIMUM QUALITY HABITAT
FOR
BROWN BEAR AND BEAVER
Lower Tazimina River Area
Figure 4-2
OPTIMUM QUALITY HABITAT
FOR
BROWN BEAR AND BEAVER
Lower Tazimina Lake Area
Figure 4-3
OPTIMUM QUALITY HABIT AT
FOR
MOOSE
Lower Tazimina River Area
Figure 4-4
,...
.....
OPTIMUM QUALITY HABITAT
FOR
MOOSE
Lower Tazimina Lake Area
Figure 4-5
Brown Bear -Because of the rather wide range of habitats used by brown
bear within a year, the highest quality habitats were not as easily discern-
ible as for other key species. As the seasons progress, the bear's life
requisites change (Erickson 1965). In the spring, grasses and herbaceous
plants are the major food items. The bears then turn to berries in late
summer and fall (Murie 1944, Erickson 1965, Berns and Hansel 1975) and
will feed on spawning salmon when available. Suspected optimum habitats are
delineated on Figures 4-2 and 4-3.
Within the study area, the subalpine tall shrub habitats have the
richest diversity of forbs and grasses and probably prov ide the highest
quality spring and early summer habitat. The lowland spruce woodland areas
along Lower Tazimina Lake have an abundance of berry producing species, such
as bog blueberry, bearberry, and crowberry. These species are also prominent
components of the low shrub communities along the lower Tazimina River.
Bear denning habitat on the Alaska Peninsula most likely occurs on the
higher east facing subalpine slopes vegetated with alder, willow and grass
with the greatest number of dens occurring around 396 meters (1,300 feet)
elevation (Lentfer et al 1972). This type of habitat is common along the
upper slopes of the watershed, but no data are available on actual denning
sites.
The major salmon streams within the study area available to brown bear
are the lower Tazimina River between the mouth at Sixmile Lake and the falls,
and the tributaries and outlet of Alexcy Lake south of the Tazimina River
(Plate 1).
Erickson (1965) believed that browl1 bears on the Alaska Peninsula were
at or near optimum abundance in those areas where the habitat consists of
subalpine grassland interspersed with willow-bordered salmon streams and
patches of alder. This would suggest that overall habitat conditions within
the Tazimina watershed are generally good with the subalpine areas and salmon
streams the more important habitats.
4-15
Brown bears have been found to require 26 to 39 square kilometers (10 to
15 square miles) of habitat in Mt. McKinley Park (Dean 1957). This finding
would suggest that the entire Tazimina watershed may support as many as 12
bears, considering the available habitat.
Caribou -Caribou use a wide range of habitats and forage species during
their yearly migration. The broad spectrum of habitats and life requisites
makes it difficult to evaluate an area based solely on vegetation since it is
only one factor in the complex ecology of the caribou.
Since caribou more commonly occur within this region during the winter,
vegetation types were rated on the basis of prov iding winter range habitat.
Ice and snow cover are major physical factors effecting winter range (Hemming
and Pegau 1970); however, no information is available for these specific
factors in the study area.
Forage lichens are a major food source in the winter throughout most of
Alaska, but the Alaska Peninsula herd subsists largely on sedge due to the
general lack ().f lichens (Skoog 1968). The lowland around the lower Tazimina
River and along Sixmile Lake have woody shrub species, forage lichens
(Cladonia, Cetraria, Sterocaulon), and herbaceous sedgegrass formations that
would indicate good potential winter range. Actual use of this area by
caribou appears to be less than the habitat quality would indicate, but
car ibou are known to shi ft ranges over time, thus emphasi zing the need "to
retain large areas of suitable habitat that allows unrestricted movement"
(Hemming 1975). Areas west of the Newhalen River are of a much higher
quality, which would suggest that the Tazimina area would be secondary winter
habitat.
Birds -Terrestrial birds of the Lake Iliamna region have been cate-
gorized by Williamson and Peyton (1962) according to affinities for certain
ecological formations. Most of these formations are represented within the
study area. Williamson and Peyton (1962) found riparian woodland habitats to
support the largest number of species (28) and mixed spruce and paper birch
4-16
..
•
..
-
forests to support the second largest number of species (27). Spruce wood-
land formations had a lesser number with 19 species. These observations
would suggest that forest communities around Lower Tazimina Lake provide
large areas of habitat for a majority of local avifauna. Riparian habitat
may provide higher quality habitat than adjacent forests because of the
diversity of the vegetation, but no definitive data is available. The
riparian communities adjacent to the lower Tazimina River would probably have
a significantly higher usage by birds than would the adjacent low shrub
(heath/lichen) communities.
Waterfowl habitat includes the shallow "tundra" ponds of the low lying
areas as well as the deeper, oligotrophic Lower and Upper Tazimina Lakes
(lacustrine habitats). All flowing waters, which include upper and lower
Tazimina Rivers and tributary streams (fluvial habitats), and freshwater
marsh areas around Tazimina also prov ide waterfowl habitat. Williamson
and Peyton (1962) found that lacustrine habitats support the largest number
of species (33) in the Lake Iliamna region, suggesting that the lakes
would have a relatively high diversity of waterfowl species although total
numbers may be low. A slightly smaller number of species (26) were found to
have a high affinity to streams and rivers. In contrast, only six species
were found in freshwater marsh habitats.
Dabbling ducks were found to be rather uncommon in this region with
green-winged teal the most commonly occurring dabbler (Williamson and Peyton
1962, Racine and Young 1978). Diving ducks (greater scaup, white-winged
scoters, black scoter, harlequins) and red-breasted mergansers appear to be
the major breeding waterfowl species. This reflects the higher number of
species associated with lacustrine and fluvial habitats in comparison to
freshwater marsh habitats. Overall numbers of waterfowl using the Tazimina
watershed are low.
4.1.1.5 Endangered Species
PlanEts -Murray (1980) has proposed several plant species in Alaska for
protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Critical habitats of
endangered plant species are also protected under this act.
4-17
Although some rare and unusual plant species have been found in the Lake
Clark area (Racine and Young 1978), these plants do not fall under the
category of endangered species. None of the species considered by Murray
(1980) as threatened or endangered have been found to occur in the area
studied during the field investigation in August, 1981 or on any prev ious
survey.
Birds -The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrfnus) occurs in this area
(Williamson and Peyton 1962). Any falcons found in this region would
probably be the endangered subspecies ~ preregrinus anatum. Surveys for
nesting peregrines were conducted in the Iliamna area (Haugh and Potter
1975), but no evidence of any nesting activity was found. Hough and Potter
(1975) concluded that the peregrine could not be considered a resident of the
Lake Iliamna area. No sightings of falcons were made during the August, 1981
field investigation.
No other endangered animal species are known to occur within the poten-
tial zone of influence of the Tazimina hydroelectric project.
4.1.2 Aquatic Habitats
Fish species from the Tazimina River drainage provide important com-
mercial, sport, and subsistence values both on and 0 ff site that could be
influenced by proposed hydropower projects on this system.
4.1.2.1 Field Studies
During the period from late July to mid-October 1981, five field trips
were made to the Tazimina system (mouth upstream to Upper Tazimina Lake).
The objectives initiated in 1981 included:
o An evaluation of sockeye salmon spawning locations/numbers in
1981.
o An evaluation of "resident" fish distributions in the system
including identification of spawning and rearing areas.
4-18
-
III
-
o An evaluation of physical parameters (depth, cover, velocity, and
substrate) affecting sockeye salmon use of the lower Tazimina River
to lay groundwork for instream flow modelling studies.
o An evaluation of the physical factors affecting resident fish of the
lower and upper river areas.
o A temperature monitoring program.*
o An evaluation of streamflows downstream of the USGS stream gage. *
The biological surveys involved the use of beach seines, monofilament
gill nets (sinking and floating), backpack electroshocker, dip net, and
hook-line. Approximately 600 fish were captured with the various gear types
from the Tazimina River system (from the mouth to the lower end of the
upper lake). Fish were primaril y examined in the field (numbers, species,
fork length or total length dependent on species, scales/otoliths, and
limited stomach samples). Weights taken were limited because accurate field
measurements were not practical in most cases to allow fish to be returned
unharmed.
made.
General observations of aquatic biota other than fish were also
A supplemental field survey was conducted in May 1982 to assess habitat
value and grayling use of the stream reach immediately upstream from the
proposed run-of-river diversion dam.
In addition to field surveys, the existing data base (including 1979
field notes of Richard Russell, ADF&G) as well as unpublished data from the
University of Washington Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) were reviewed.
The FRI data analysis and summary is presented in Appendix B •
4.1.2.2 Tazimina Drainage Overview
In general, the aquatic system is greatly influenced by the high
falls at River Mile 9.5 (Figure 2-2). These falls are impassable to upstream
fish migration and contribute to a different aquatic structure in the river
*Results presented in Chapter 3.
4-19
system above and below this area. Downstream of the falls, the major
di fference in the system is the area I s use by sockeye salmon and one or
two runs of rainbow trout (trophy class area). Arctic grayling are season-
ally numerous, but to some degree transitory, below the falls. Fewer large
char are present in the lower river than in upstream areas. Salmon carcasses
introduce an outside energy supply into the system and the other salmonids
also bring and take lesser quantities of energy to and from the system.
In contrast, the system above the falls is isolated from external
aquatic/marine energy sources and is different both in the availability of
energy as well as in fish species composition (mainly Arctic char and Arctic
grayling). There is a likelihood that some fish species do pass downstream
over the falls and survive to occupy the lower river segment. The reverse or
upstream movement cannot be accomplished by the fish, but unconfirmed
reports indicate people have carried lower river fry (likely rainbow trout)
into the upper lakes.
The lakes themselves provide a different kind of habitat and contribute
to the physical difference that exists between the river system above and
below the falls. These lakes provide habitat to greater numbers of indiv i-
dual fish than would be possible without these water bodies. The lakes are
probably a winter sanctuary for many individual fish. The river both above
and below the falls has limited winter habitat for the salmonid species.
The Tazimina River system was divided into five segments to facili-
tate further descriptions. These are:
0 Lower Tazimina River (mouth to falls)
0 River segment falls to Lower Tazimina Lake
0 Lower Tazimina Lake
0 River segment between lakes
0 Upper Tazimina Lake
4-20
... '
...
..
4.1.2.3 Fish Resources of the Lower Tazimina River
One of the principal fishery resources of the lower Taximina River is
sockeye salmon. The Tazimina River sockeye stocks comprise a signi ficant
portion of the Kvichak River stock, which is the largest sockeye salmon run
in Alaska and of major economic value to the Bristol Bay salmon fishery
(Appendix B). Like other streams in the Kv ichak Drainage, Tazimina River
rainbow trout and Arctic grayling populations serve as the basis for a trophy
sport fishery. These fish, particularly rainbow trout, are much sought after
by sportsmen and contribute to the success of the local commercial guiding
industry.
Arctic char/Dolly Varden are also present in the lower Tazimina River
but their numbers appear to be relatively small. Chinook salmon are found in
the lower Tazimina, but numbers are very low. Two were observed during the
1981 field season. Slimy sculpins and ninespine sticklebacks were also
captured during the 1981 field season. Round whitefish, longnosed suckers,
and threespine sticklebacks have also been reported in the lower Tazimina
River (Russell 1980).
Limited site-specific information exists that would allow definition of
the seasonal distribution, relative abundance and life history requirements
of fish species inhabiting the Tazimina River. However, a general descrip-
t ion 0 f the fishery resources 0 f the Tazimina can be assemb led from
information for the same species inhabiting nearby drainages in the Iliamna
area, and from information for the Naknek and Wood River systems. Because
of their importance to the commercial fisheries, most of the available
information pertains to sockeye salmon. Escapements, as reflected in spawn-
ing ground index counts, have been monitored since 1920 and general life
history information has been collected by FRI and the Alaska Department of
Fish and Game (ADF&G) for sockeye salmon throughout the Iliamna area. The
National Marine Fisheries Service has had an extensive research program on
sockeye salmon in the Naknek drainage, the results of which are summarized in
Buck et a1. (1978).
4-21
Existing information pertaining to resident fish in the Tazimina drain-
age is also limited. ADF&G conducted a survey in the Tazimina River in
conjunction with a fishery inventory of the Lake Clark area (Russell 1980).
ADF&G also conducted life history investigations of rainbow trout in two
tr ibutar ies to Iliamna Lake. Li fe history information for Arctic grayling
and Arctic char/Dolly Varden in Bristol Bay is virtually nonexistent. Arctic
Environmental Information and Data Center (AEIDC) and Dames & Moore personnel
collected some incidental information on the seasonal distribution and
relative abundance of resident fish in the lower Tazimina River during the
1981 field season.
Many of the species inhabiting the Tazimina River appear to use the
river seasonally or only during a particular life history stage. Using
information from the Tazimina River, Iliamna area, and the adjacent Naknek
and Wood River drainages, the available data on life history and seasonal
distributions were summarized in a generalized phenology chart indicating
which species/li fe stages are likely to be present in the Tazimina River
during various months of the year (Figure 4-6).
Sockeye salmon -Al though sockeye salmon use the lower Tazimina River
throughout most of the year, the various life stages are present only
seasonally. Although much of their lives are spent in lake or marine
environments, sockeye depend on the Tazimina River for reproduction. Summer
spawners deposit eggs in the streambed gravels. The eggs then incubate
through the winter and hatch in late winter. Emergence occurs in the spring,
immediately followed by outmigration from the river to lake nursery areas.
As much as a month may elapse between the end of the outmigration period and
the first return of the spawners, but in some cases the two events overlap.
Maturing adults move from ocean feeding areas to freshwater spawning
areas in early summer. Returning Tazimina River spawners are subject to
commercial fishing in Bristol Bay. As they ascend the Kvichak River and the
Newhalen River, they are harvested by the subsistence fisheries located near
the villages. A few fish are also taken by sport fishermen. Spawners gen-
erally begin to enter the Tazimina River in early to mid-July. Returns
4-22
...
fill
..
Life Stage Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun I Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Adults/ 1J..~ -.-
Spawners .--.~ a ••
--g L?_ ••
~ ~/DV ? •••
Adults/ • $B I.
N onspawners
GR .-_ ..
AC/I V**
Alevins/ RS i RS
Incubation ~--~ ..
I RB --.. -
I I
I I I
Q.R_ -?-• I
AC/D\ ? AC/DlT ? ... ._--
Rearing RB
GR** ?
I Ac/DV**?
Outmigration RS .~ --
I ~J3J.9
?Timing data is limited and inconclusive
**Current data indicate these fishes do not extensively utilize the river
t Adults and subadults
Legend
-----May be present but not abundant GR Arctic grayling
Abundant RS Sockeye salmon
AC/DV Arctic char/Dolly Varden RB Rainbow trout
Figure 4-6
PHENOLOGY CHART FOR MAJOR FISH SPECIES
OF THE LOWER T AZIMINA RIVER
~t ------
Dec
continue to increase throughout August, and the peak of spawning activity
generally occurs in late August or early September. In most years, few live
sockeye remain in the river by mid-September (Poe, personal communication).
Sockeye spawners in the Tazimina River have been monitored since 1920
(Table 4-4). Prior to 1949, periodic spawning surveys were conducted. Since
1955, FRI has conducted spawning surveys annually as a part of the Kvichak
River sockeye salmon studies.
Surveys indicate that peak sockeye spawner index counts in the Tazimina
River have varied from zero to almost 500,000. In recent years, the escape-
ments to the Tazimina River have increased. Calculations made by Dames &
Moore based on the data presented in Appendix B suggest that the Tazimina,
for the years of record, has contributed about 2 percent of the total Kvichak
River sockeye run and also has contributed about 2 percent of the Kvichak
River sockeye salmon commercial catch. Estimated numbers of sockeye salmon
in the commercial catch contributed by the Tazimina River for the last 3
years are as follows:
1979
1980
1981
1,222,600 salmon
239,600 salmon
161,700 salmon
The Tazimina stocks are on a 5-year cycle with 2 years of high escape-
ments, a subdominate year after or before the dominate year, and 2 or
3 years of average or fairly low escapements. Peak returns are predicted
for 1984 and 1985 in Bristol Bay. Tazimina sockeye generally return after
2 or 3 years in the ocean (Anderson 1968).
During the 1981 season, the first spawners arrived at the Tazimina River
in late July. By the first week of September, spawning activity had peaked.
Schools 0 f spawners moved into the river and remained schooled in pools and
scour holes located near spawning areas throughout mid-August. By the last
week of August, most spawners were spread out and defending territories
within the spawning areas.
4-24
-
."
.. -
-
TABLE 4-4
SPAWNING GROUND SURVEYS ON THE TAZIMINA RIVER
Peak Spawning Peak Spawning
Ground Index Ground Index
Year Count Year Count
1920 50 1960 55000
1924 40000 1961 30000
1940 14250 1962 4000
1941 7650 1963 0
1944 6600 1964 150
1945 7500 1965 41900
1946 8500 1966 4880
1947 36700 1967 1560
1948 24700 1968 250
1949 12000
1969 22610
1950 7500 1970 85450
1951 4000 1971 12925
1952 17000 1972 20*
1953 17000 1973 12*
1954 3400 1974 104470
1955 85 1975 149950
1956 32300 1976 16390
1957 10000 1977 7205
1958 600 1978 146900
1959 150* 1979 503750
1980 128500
1981 28215
RANGE o to
***** 503750
ADITH
MEAN 41054
Source: Fisheries Research Institute (Appendix B)
* Survey conditon on timing inadequate.
4-25
No optimum escapement projections have been made for the Tazimina River;
therefore, one can only speculate as to these values. Demory et ale (1962)
indicated Tazimina had 662,449 square meters (792,308 square yards; 62
hectares [163.7 acres]) of total accessible spawning area of which 22 percent
or 145,682 square meters (174,240 square yards; 15 hectares [36 acres])
was labeled potential sockeye spawning area. The accuracy of these area
estimates was not checked in 1981 surveys. Various numbers can be used to
describe the optimum density of sockeye spawners in a river. One value is
one female per 2 square meters (Burgner et ale 1969). If the area is divided
by 2 to get females per square meter and multiplied by 2 to add the males,
the resulting estimate of the optimum number of sockeye spawners is 145,682.
This value is questionable based upon the assumed values used. This value is
not a total capacity. Peak spawner index counts have exceeded 500,000 and
ADF&G biologists estimated total Tazimina escapements of 800,000 in 1978 and
over 1 million in 1979. Additional investigation would be necessary to
evaluate escapement potential.
Sockeye salmon spawner distribution was determined by helicopter survey
on August 28, 1981 and noted on a 1 :15,840 scale drawing of the lower river
(Figure 4-7). The majority of observed sockeye spawners were found in the
lower 10 kilometers (6.5 miles) o,f the river; of 21,900 returning spawners,
70 percent were located in the lower 5 kilometers (3 miles) of river, and 90
percent were counted downstream of River Mile 6.5.
Al though the spawning surveys conducted on the Tazimina River did not
record spawner distribution, some of the field notes indicate that the
majority of the fish were observed in the lower 5 to 8 kilometers (3 to 6
miles) of the river. Demory et ale (1962) also note that the majority of the
sockeye spawning occurs in the lower 8 kilometers of the river. However, in
years of high abundance, sockeye spawners are found throughout the entire 15
kilometers (9.5 miles) below the falls (Russell, personal communication).
Poe evaluated his spawner index data for 1976 to 1981 (8 years) and found
that sockeye spawners observed in the canyon area ranged from 0 to 5.24
percent of the total spawning ground index for these years (Appendix B). A
single wave of spawners comes into the Tazimina River and most spawning
4-26
....
....
..
-..
.. ..
"".,
)
"'\
. Figure 4-7
_ . DlSTRlBUIJON. AND ABUNDANCE
OF SOCKEYE SALMON SPAWNERS
IN THE TAZIMINA RIVER
FROM AERIAL SURVEY ON AUGUST 28~ 1981
LEGEND
fff River mile marker _ Z -)Iiiiii
Intensity of spawning
Heavy SCALE
1 : 48,000
o .5 1 Mile
1(·1 Light
D None
'1;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;1:::=1;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;1:::===11
( ) Number of fish
activity appears to be restricted to a 2 to 3-week period in late August to
early September. Data indicate that peak spawning activity generally
occurred in a 16-day period from August 28 to September 13 (Table 4-5).
This short spawning period may help reduce the problem of superimpo-
sition in years of large returns. Female spawners in the Brook River, Naknek
drainage, reportedly defended redds for an average of 9 days after spawn-
ing (Hartman et a1. 1964) and for a max imum 0 f 16 days (Hoopes 1962). Thus,
it appears that females would probably be able to defend their redds from
disruption by other spawners. Information collected by FRI in Sixmile
Lake may indicate that superimposition was not a problem in 1979 when
Tazimina River spawning surveys indexed just over 500,000 fish. Poe (1981)
reported that towing results in Sixmile Lake suggested that production from
the large return was very good, although the tow net results in Sixmile Lake
reflect production in all of the Lake Clark system.
Average fecundity for female sockeye in the Naknek drainage was found to
be about 4,000 eggs (Merrell 1964). The eggs are buried in the gravels at a
depth of 23 to 30 centimeters (9 to 12 inches; McAfee 1960). Redds located
in the Tazimina River by Dames & Moore were also in this depth range.
Fertilized eggs incubate in the stream gravels and hatch SOl1]e time in
midwinter. Incubation rate and fry development are related to water temper-
atures and level of dissolved oxygen present in the spawning gravels. Low
temperatures and reduced levels of dissolved oxygen can slow embryo devel-
opment. No site-specific information is available on incubation or fry
emergence in the Tazimina River. A study conducted in the Iliamna area
provided some information on egg development. Mathisen et ale (1962) deter-
mined that hatching generally occurred from late February to mid-March from
eggs spawned in late August to September 20, with emergence occurring the end
of April through. mid-May. Nelson (1964) reported that hatching occurred in
Wood River drainage in February and that development time in Wood River
closely parallels that of the Iliamna-Lake Clark district.
4-28
-
-
-
...
TABLE 4-5
OCCURRENCE OF PEAK SPAWNING
ACTIVITY IN THE TAZIMINA RIVER*
Date Date
8-29-64 9-02-73
8-31-65 9-01-74
8-28-66 9-03-75
8-30-67 9-01-76
9-01-68 9-02-77
9-04-69 9-07-78
9-05-70 9-06-79
9-13-71 9-02-80
.9-06-72 9-01-81
*data from Poe (personal communication)
4-29
The alev ins generall y remain in the gravels until emergence in the
spring, which generally coincides with breakup. In the Naknek drainage,
emergence spanned a period from late April to mid-June. Emergence is
influenced by water temperatures during development and at the time of
emergence.
After emergence, fry generally move immediately downstream to lake
nursery areas. However, not all depart, as indicated by the seven sockeye
fry observed on August 19, 1979 (Russell 1980). In 1981, a few sockeye fry
were observed in the Tazimina River in late July. Most migration to nursery
areas occurs during darkness (Hartman et ale 1962). During migration, fry
are subject to considerable predation by rainbow trout, Arctic char/Dolly
Varden, lake trout, northern pike, and various birds. After reaching the
lake, sockeye fry generall y concentrate in the shallow shoreline areas but
disperse to deeper mid-lake waters in midsummer (Merrell 1964).
Young sockeye from the Tazimina River remain in fresh water for 2
years before outmigrating to Bristol Bay (Anderson 1968). Upon leaving the
Tazimina River, fry probably remain in Sixmile Lake for a time, but exact
length of residence in the lake and movements between lakes is unknown.
Some evidence from the Naknek drainage suggests that fry generally occupy
rearing areas downstream from their spawning areas and movement through the
system is a function of drainage pattern. Young fish tend to move in a
downstream direction even in a lake environment (Ellis 1974). Sockeye smolts
begin leaving the Kvichak system in May and continue to outmigrate through
June.
Resident Fish Several freshwater species including rainbow trout,
Arctic grayling, and Arctic char/Dolly Varden have been identified by the
ADF&G as resident populations of the lower Tazimina River. These species
appear to be most abundant during the open-water season. Little information
exists regarding the seasonal distribution and life histories of these fish.
Reconnaissance of the Tazimina River by ADF&G in 1974 (Russell, personal
communiction) and in 1979 (Russell 1980) and incidental observations by
AEIDC and Dames & Moore personnel in 1981 prov ide some insight into the
general life history and seasonal habitat use by these fish.
4-30
.,
..
-
..
.'
..
Tazimina River rainbow trout may become sexually mature at age 5 or 6.
Russell ( 1980) ex amined 14 sexuall y mature fish ranging in age from 5 to
10 years. Life history studies conducted on lower Talarik Creek tributary to
Lake Iliamna indicate that trout matured at age 6 or 7 (Russell 1974).
In the Bristol Bay region, rainbow trout usually spawn from late
April to early June. However, spawning has been reported as early as mid-
March (Russell, personal communication). The 1981 field investigations
commenced after the rainbow trout spawning season. Rainbow tro!-lt spawning
activites may be closely related to stream temperatures. Russell (1974)
reported that peak spawning activities occurred on May 10, 1973 and June 6,
1972 in lower Talarik Creek. Water temperatures on these dates reached 7°C
(45°F). Exact locations of rainbow trout spawning areas have not been
identified in the Tazimina River. Rainbow trout probably spawn in the side
channels of the braided areas. In lower Talarik Creek and the Copper River,
tributaries to Iliamna Lake, rainbow spawning activity occurs in similar
habitats (Russell, personal communication). Newly emerged fry were found at
several locations in Alexcy Braid and near River Mile 7.5. In addition,
young-of-the-year rainbow trout were captured in the side channel near the
mouth of the canyon and within the canyon itself.
Rainbow spawners have been reported in the canyon on River Mile 8.7
(Sims, personal communication) and Dames & Moore personnel captured young-
of-the-year trout near River Mile 8.8. However, due to the apparent limited
availability of suitable substrate in this area, spawning habitat present in
the canyon probabl y does not account for a significant portion of rainbow
trout production in the Tazimina River.
Russell (1974) reported that after spawning, rainbows left lower Talarik
Creek and entered Iliamna Lake or Talarik Lakes. Some postspawn rainbows may
remain in the Tazimina River. Local sport fishing guides report that the
Tazimina River has a good population of trout throughout the open water
season (Sims and Baluta, personal communications). Before the arrival of
sockeye spawners in July 1981, numerous fish, presumably rainbow trout and
grayling, were observed throughout the Tazimina River below River Mile 8.3.
4-31
Postspawn rainbow trout are reported to remain in the Copper River, tributary
to Iliamna Lake for the summer period (Siedelman et al. 1973).
During the 1981 field season, the abundance of resident fish appeared to
increase as sockeye salmon spawning progressed. This increase may have
resulted from an influx of nonspawners and/or subadults moving into the river
to feed on salmon eggs. The increase may also be the result of a change in
habitat use patterns influencing their visibility. Siedelman et a1. (1973)
reported that rainbow trout moved from deeper water into shallower runs where
sockeye were spawning. In the Tazimina River, resident fish were frequently
observed in association with sockeye spawners and rainbow and grayling were
captured by angling in sockeye spawning areas.
As fall progressed, resident fish in the Tazimina River moved down-
stream, many apparently leaving the system. Maps prepared from aerial
surveys conducted in September and October 1981 show a general downstream
movement with 56 percent fewer fish observed in October (Figures 4-8 and
4-9).
Dames & Moore angling results generally support the conclusions of the
aerial surveys. Fewer fish were captured in the upstream reaches as the
field season progressed. In October, a large school of grayling was observed
in Sixmile Lake just off the mouth of the Tazimina River. These observations
are consistent with the results of investigations conducted in other drain-
ages in the Iliamna area that reported that most fish leave the streams in
the fall and seek lake environments for overwintering (Russell 1974,
Siedelman et al. 1973, Siedleman and Engle 1972).
Young rainbow trout were numerous in the lower Tazimina River. Although
no systematic sample program was undertaken, they were observed in slow,
shallow water along stream margins, in side chann~ls, and in backwater areas.
A few young-of-the-year rainbow trout as well as mature adults were captured
in theocanyon just below the rapids, indicating that the entire length of the
lower river is used by juvenile rainbow trout. Most of the good rearing
4-32
,..,.
-
..
... '
-
Figure 4-8
DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE
OF RESIDENT FISH
IN THE LOWER TAZIMINARIVER
FROM AERIAL SURVEY ON SEPTEMBER 22, 1981
SCALE
1 : 48,000
o "5 1 Mile
t;;;";;;;;;;;;;;;;I::::::=::::::I;;;;;=I::::::=::::::l1
& River mile marker
() Number of fish
Figure 4-9
DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE
OF RESI DENT FrSH
IN TH E LOWE R T AZIMrNA RIVER
FROM AERrAL SURVEY ON OCTOBER 14, 1981
SCALE
1 : 48,000
-
IN.
-
,...
....
o .5 1 !\tile lilt
&
( )
,
River mile marker
Number of fish
habitat is located in the braided reaches and side channels farther down-
stream. Outside of these areas young fish appear to be restricted to stream
margins.
No data are available for Arctic grayling spawning activities in the
Tazimina River. t-tlst of the available data in the literature have been
collected in interior and arctic streams.
In interior Alaska, grayling generally spawn during "breakup." Grayling
spawn in the Iliamna area in May and June (Russell, personal communication).
Upstream migration and spawning activity may be related to water temperature.
Tack (1980) reported that spawning activity commenced when stream tempera-
tures reached 4 Q C (39 Q F). Spawning has been observed in a wide variety of
habitats, including shallow backwater areas to lake margins and riffles and
runs.
No redds are constructed. The slightly adhesive eggs sink to the stream
bottom and become attached to the substrate. Embryo development is rapid and
eggs generall y hatch in 13 to 32 days. Development time is influenced by
water temperatures. Fry generally remain in their natal streams during the
summer. Young grayling occupy habitats similar to those selected by young
salmonids (shallow low velocity areas with cover). Only one young grayling
was collected in the lower Tazimina River.
Few observations of Arctic char/Dolly Varden were made during the 1981
field season. Char reportedly move into the Tazimina River to feed on salmon
eggs and remain to spawn in late September through October. Spawners were
captured near River Mile 6.2 in September. A school of fish was observed in
this location during the September aerial survey and an even larger number
was observed during the October aerial survey. Since most resident fish
appeared to be leaving the system, an increase in this section would seem to
indicate an influx of spawners. However, no fish were captured in October to
ver i fy species identi fication. Few young Arctic char/Dolly Varden were
found in the lower Tazimina River during the 1981 field season.
4-35
4.1.2.4 Relationships Between Geomorphologic and Hydraulic
Characteristics and Sockeye Salmon Spawning and
and Incubation Success
The lower 15 kilometers (9.5 miles) of the Tazimina River was subdivided
into relatively homogeneous segments based upon biologic, geomorphologic, and
hydraulic considerations. Reach-specific substrate characteristics, stream-
bank stability, cross-sectional geometry, and the distribution of sockeye
salmon spawners were noted on a 1: 15,840 scale map. Representative areas
were photographed, and the river segmentation was confirmed by follow-up
helicopter and foot surveys.
Substrate composition and spawner distribution -The predominant stream-
bed materials observed in the Tazimina River graded from silty sands at the
river mouth (River Mile 0.0) to bedrock and large boulders in the canyon area
(River Mile 8.5 to 9.5). Streambed and streambank materials upstream from
River Mile 6.5 are of volcanic origin. Available spawning substrates between
River Miles 6.5 and 9.5 are primarily sharp, angular, plate-like particles of
metamorphosed volcanic tuff. Downstream of River Mile 6.5 the river flows
through an extensive glacial deposit. Hence, the characteristric spawning
substrate downstream of River Mile 6.5 consists of smooth river gravels and
large sands intermixed with small angular volcanic particles that have been
transported downstream.
Spawning ground surveys were conducted on the Tazimina River by FRI in
1961 and 1962 (FRI unpublished data). Due to differences in classification
methodologies and the inability to reliably determine river mile indices for
the FRI transects, a comparative analysis cannot be made between the earlier
stream survey data and our 1981 observations. However, it can be concluded
from a comparison of the AEIDC and FRI data that the general gradation of
streambed material sizes from silty-sands to boulders has not changed appre-
ciably in 20 years (Table 4-6). Both FRI and AEIDC surveys indicate that
the most suitable sockeye salmon spawning areas are found in the lower 5
kilometers (3 miles) of the river. The 1981 survey also identifies the
braided reach between River Miles 5 and 6 as an important sockeye salmon
spawning area.
4-36
-
..
..
I
--
Iti\'cr River
Sq:ml'nt r.lile
1 0,0' 0,3
2 0.3 ·1.15
.
3 1.15· 1.95
4 1.95·2.2
5 2.2·3.25
6 3.25·3.6
7 3.6·4.9
8 4.9·5.8
9 5.8·6.4
10 6.4·7.9
11 7.9·9.5
TABLE 4-6
COMPARISON BETWEEN 1981 AEIDC AND ~q·i2 FISHERIES RESEARCH
INSTITUTE STREAM BOTTOM COMPOSITION SURVfYS FOR THE LOWER TAZIMINA RIVER
1981 AEIDC Survey 1962 Fisheries Research Institute Survev
Bottom Composition Tl'ansect Estimated Bottom Composition
N~rrntive Description Number River Mile < l/S" 1/8 • 3" 3 ·12"
Silty sands through small gravelsi few lar!:/! 1 0.0 40% . 30% 20%
cobbles and boulders in mainslem scour holes on
outside bends.
Predominately 1 to 21/2 in gravels; sand bars, 2 0.6 30% 30% 30%
and interstitial sand deposits with few large
cobbles and boulders . .
80% or the gravels under 3 1/2 In; little 3 1.2 30% 30% 30%
sand in bars or gravels. 4 1.8 40%', 20% 30% -
50% sand and 50% 2 to 41n. ,
Predominantly 11/2 to 3 1/21n with approxl· 5 2.4 20% 30% 3 o 'To
mately 10'To sand. Few large cobbles and boulders 6 3.0 20% 30% 30%
in deep pools.
, ;
2 to 3 In gravel armored with 6 In cobbles appro xl· . 7 3.6 20% 20% 30%
mately 10% sand in streambed. \
l' :
Predominately large cobbles and boulders; 70% 8 4.5 20% • 20% 30%
streambed materials greater than 7 in.
Predominantly 1 1/2 to 3 1/21n particles In side
channelsiapproximatcly 30 to 40% of particles in
mainstem are 6 to lOin.
3 to 6 in material.
60 to 70% 6 to 12+ln material: volcanic origin. 9 6.5 20% 20% 20%
Sharp, angular, plate·like particles. 10 7.5 20% 20% 20%
Bedrock and boulders predominate, smnll Isolated 1P 8.0 10% 10% 30%
deposits of 1 to 3 in angular particles exist in 12· 9.0 10% 10% 30%
eddy areas.
*10% substr~te material unknown size (assume bedrock).
>12"
10%
10%
10%
10%
20%
20%
30%
30%
40%
40%
40%
40%
During the 19B1 season, sockeye salmon were observed in significant
numbers within discrete river segments (Figure 4-10). Spawners were well
distributed in the three braided reaches. However, sockeye were observed
onl y in signi ficant numbers in the single channel river segment between
River Miles 1 and 2, and in the short transitory single channel segments
immediately upstream of Hudson Braid (near River Mile 3.4), and Alexcy Braid
(near River Mile 6.1).
Spawners made limited use of the remaining 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) of
single channel habitat below the falls. Lack of suitable spawning substrates
and high velocities appear to be the principal reasons for its limited use by
spawners. The adult sockeye observed in the single channel segments from
River Mile 3.6 to 4.9, and River Mile 6.4 to B.3 occupied the few isolated
pockets of suitable spawning substrate available in the reaches. Poe (un-
published data) indicated that spawners have used the river segment from
River Mile 3.6 to 4.9 more extensively in past years.
Limited use is made of the canyon area (River Mile B.3 to 9.5) by
sockeye spawners. A few fish were observed in the canyon during the 19B1
field season. No fish were observed here during the helicopter survey; high
velocities and turbulence limit visibility in this reach. As with the other
single channel segments of the river, spawning appears to be limited by
a lack of suitable substrates. Canyon substrates are dominated by large
boulders and bedrock. However, small isolated pockets of suitable spawning
substrates are present, and probably accommodate a limited number of
spawners. The analysis presented in Appendix B suggests that 0 to 5.24
percent of the observed sockeye spawners used the canyon area during the
years 1967 to 19B1.
Hydraulic conditions and spawner distribution -The lower 14 kilometers
(9 miles) of the Tazimina River consists of two basic types of stream chan-
nels: three very stable, rectangular single channel reaches of nearly
uni form gradient; and three relatively stable, braided segments possessing
irregular streambed profiles and non-uniform cross-sections (Figure 4-11).
4-3B
-
M-
""
,..
,..
l
,,'"
l,
(1*"
River River
S.1tmltnl Mill!
0,0-0,3 SUty .sands thfOUIl\ ,m.alI .:ravels; fl!w luel!
cobbln and bou'den ion nta.instem scour hole, on
ou't$ide o.ndt.
0.3.1.1!o PHdominantly 1 to 2 1/2 In cravebaand bars~
.nd inientif.ial sand dePOsits '!.I.'ith few lup"
cobbles and boulden.
D 2.2· 3,2~ PredominanUy 1 1/2 to;1 1/2 in with a-PPloi~
mately 10':". PIId. Few lule eobbles and
bouldl!rs In du" pools.
3,2~. 3,6 2 to J in crave! armored wUh 6 in cobble~
10~e sand in
E 3.6 ·.,9 Predominantly tarae cobbla and boulden+ 'TO%-
,tft'ambed materiaJl peater than 7 in.
F •. 9· ~,8 Pndomina.n.tly 1 1/2 to 3 1/2..in partiele$ in ~lde
channeb: approxim.tely 30 to 4~ of particles
In mainst"m ar. 6 k; 10 in.
7.9' 9,~ Bedroc:k .nd boulders pr"duminace •• mall h:olat.ed
df'pOsiu ot 1 to,3 in ani."\llar puticlu exl.t in
.ddy.re ....
H
I
6,300
1.860
1.595
615
202
E
LEGEND
Figure 4-10
SOCKEYE SALMON SPAWNER
DISTRIBUTION WITH RESPECT TO
SUBSTRATE TYPE
fif River mile marker
Intensity of spawning
Heavy
I%:~~~\H Light o None
SCALE
1 : 48,000
o .5 1 Mile
)
Canyon Mouth
RM 8,3
Alexcy Braid
RM 4.9 to RM 6.4
Figure 4-11 .
STREAM CHANNEL PATTERN
OF . THE LOWER TAZIMINA RrVER
SCALE
1 : 48,000
..
u,,;.,
o .5 1 Mile"
1;;;' _;;I:=:=::Iii;_t=::::::J1
& River mile marker
Within the single channel segments, streamflow velocities are relatively
high and quite uniform. Little variation exists in the velocity pattern due
to the uniform streambed gradient and cross-sectional shape. At moderate
and high flows, low velocity areas are principally restricted to narrow,
sometimes discontinuous, zones adjacent to the streambanks.
Hydraulic conditions within the braided reaches are non-uniform. Depths
and velocities vary markedly throughout the reach due to irregular streambed
gradients and stream channel cross-sections. At moderate and high flows, low
velocity areas are quite abundant within the braided reaches due to backwater
effects near the numerous junctions of the merging side channels.
Velocities associated with high streamflows during the spawning season
may at times adversely affect sockeye salmon production in the Tazimina
River. In addition to providing a potential for scouring streambed gravels,
high velocities are suspected of denying spawners access to suitable mainstem
spawning area. The high river stage also provides access to overbank areas,
which then dewater as the river returns to more "normal" seasonal levels.
During an August 17 overflight, adult sockeye observed in the single
channel river segments were concentrated in narrow discontinuous bands along
the streambanks and immediately downstream of partially submerged debris
jams. The distribution pattern was far more coincident with the limited low
velocity areas in the river segment than with readily available spawning
substrates. It is suspected that these fish were seeking shelter from
mainstem velocities during a time when flow was exceptionally high (3130
cfs) •
This supposition was supported when, during the same overflight, adult
sockeye were observed to be dispersed and defending territories throughout
the braided segments of the lower river where velocities were lower. In
both the Alexcy Braid and the Hudson Braid, the adult sockeye were observed
holding over suitable spawning substrates in pairs and small groups. Obser-
vations and fish captures during a follow-up foot survey confirmed that these
fish were still green, actual spawning still being 2 to 3 weeks away.
4-41
On August 28 and 29, at streamflow of 1600 c fs, adult sockeye were
well distributed over the suitable spawning substrates that were available
throughout the lower river. In the single channel segments where adults had
previously occupied the stream margins and other low velocity zones, they
were observed spread out across the width of the channel and defending
territories.
Streamflow measurements were made at the same single channel segment
(River Mile 1.7) in which numerous sockeye were observed. Mean column
velocities between 3.0 and 4.0 fps were frequently recorded at a streamflow
of 1,582 cfs, and between 4.5 and 5.0 fps for a streamflow of 2,415 cfs.
Stream velocities were not measured at this site for the August 17 discharge
of 3,130 cfs, but they are estimated as having been in the range of 6 fps.
In a somewhat similar manner, shallow depths associated with low flows
during the spawning season may deny adults access to desirable spawning areas
in the braided reaches. Low flows may not prevent adults from entering
the side channels, but the accompanying shallow depths and low velocities
could deter spawners from using these areas. In either case, fish may be
forced to use less suitable habitat such as that available in the mainstem
between River Mile 3.6 to 4.9 and River Mile 6.4 to 9.5.
Within the mainstem spawning areas, spawners are likely to be concen-
trated in mid-channel areas. This reduces the potential for eggs to be
dewatered. Some spawners may be forced to use less suitable habitats as low
flows reduce the available area in traditional spawning areas.
Field measurements were made to describe the characteristic range of
the specific hydraulic and substrate conditions sele~ted by spawning sockeye
salmon. Adult sockeye were located by helicopter survey and the locations of
several typical habitat types noted on the field map (Figure 4-12). Char-
acteristic spawning areas were selected that encompassed the range of
hydraulic and substrate values used by sockeye salmon in the lower Tazimina
River. At each sampling area, the location of individual spawners was noted
in a field sketch. Every effort was made not to disturb the fish until their
4-42
-
Alexcy Lolze
7
1
5
Figure 4-12
SAMPLING LOCATIONS
FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF
SOCKEY SALMON SPAWNING HABITAT
_Z-)IIii
SCALE
1 : 48,000
o .5 1 Mile
IiII -=:i:=::===i'-=;;;;;I:::=l1
@.. River mile marker
locations were mapped. Field personnel then entered the stream and measured
water depth and mean column velocity, and visually classified the substrate
at each location where individual spawners were obtained. Point measurements
were obtained using a top set wading rod and a Marsh McBirney Model 201
electromagnetic current meter.
Sockeye salmon spawners selected areas that possessed specific hydrau-
lic and substrate conditions. Spawners were observed in areas with mean
column velocities ranging from 0.2 to 4.4 fps and in depths ranging from 0.2
meters (0.6 feet) to more than 1.4 meters (4.5 feet). However, the majority
of fish were observed in water flowing at 0.5 to 1.5 fps and in depths
rang ing from 0.3 to 0.6 meters (1 to 2 feet). Dominant substrate particle
size ranged from 0.6 to 10 centimeters (0.25 to 4 inches). Fish were obser-
ved over substrates with up to 40 percent sand, but generally appeared to use
areas with 0.6 to 7.6-centimeter (1 to 3-inch) gravels and less than 10
percent sand.
A literature rev iew was conducted to determine the applicability of
published habitat suitability criteria to evaluate sockeye salmon spawning
habi tat in the Tazimina River. Resul ts of this survey indicate that
published criteria curves were not transferable to the Tazimina River.
Measurements collected in the Tazimina River indicate that Tazimina River
sockeye salmon use a broader range of habitat values than those expressed in
published curves (Burgner 1951, Chambers et a1. 1955, Bovee 1978, Hoopes
1962).
Channel geometry and incubation success - A major factor influencing
the survival of fertilized sockeye salmon eggs is the potential of low
streamflows during the winter months to dewater redds. Normal stre.amflows
during the spawning season provide easy access to spawning habitat along the
stream margins and throughout the braided river segments. Mid-winter water
surface elevations drop appreciably below those present during the spawning
season. As a result, spawning areas along the stream margins and in the
braided segments may become dewatered. If not maintained by some subsurface
4-44
source, intra-gravel flow through these spawning areas will cease and the
incubation success within these streambed gravels will be substantially
reduced.
The difference in the cross-sectional shapes and streambed profiles
of the braided and single channel segments are important to recognize when
evaluating the effects of changes in river stage on incubating eggs and
alevins. The single channel segments of the mainstem possess a near uniform
gradient and rectangular cross-sectional shape. Only at a few river bends
and isolated scour holes near debris jams does the cross-sectional shape and
streambed profile change. Therefore, it is possible to have a substantial
change in water surface elevation with no appreciable loss of wetted peri-
meter.
Streambed grad ients within the braided segments are non-uniform and
the cross-sectional shape of the channel is quite irregular. Small changes
in water surface elevation can result in significant reductions in wetted
perimeter. Streambed elevations at the upstream ends of the side channels
within the braided segments are generally higher than those of the main
channel in the braid. Thus as streamflows recede, spawning areas within the
side channel braids are the first to potentially become dewatered and
theoretically the most vulnerable to dessication and freezing.
During the second week of October 1981, mainstem Tazimina River stream-
flows were in the range of 650 cfs. Few side channels observed were
completely dewatered, but many were no longer connected at their upper end to
the mainstem by surface flow. These side channels were dry or contained
isolated pools of standing water in their upper reaches, with streamflows
reappearing in the lower reaches. This indicates that signi ficant intra-
gravel flow enters these side channels from either a local aquifer or the
mainstem river.
Some spawning areas were dewatered in the upper portions of these side
channels. Spawners had been observed here but no redds could be located by
digging in the dewatered areas. Areas within the side channels, which held
4-45
the largest numbers of adult spawners in August, were still covered by
flowing water during the second week of October.
Spawning areas have been marked in several locations for purposes
of visually determining the degree of dewatering that naturally occurs
during winter. Groundwater inflow is suspected of maintaining intra-gravel
flow at some of these locations even though the stream channel may be dry
during the winter months.
4.1.2.5 Relationships Between Geomorphologic and Hydrologic
Characteristics and Resident Fish
Relationships between the biologic requirements of resident species
inhabiting the lower Tazimina River and the river's geomorphologic and
hydraulic characteristics can only be discussed in general terms since
limited data exists. Before substantiated statements regarding project
effects on resident fish can be provided, additional field studies would be
required.
Typical spawning habitats of rainbow trout and Arctic grayling, which
are present in the Tazimina River in considerable numbers, have not been
identified. Furthermore, little is known about the specific location and
character of the areas used by immature fish within the lower 15 kilometers
(9.5 miles) of the Tazimina River. statements regarding the availability or
quality of rearing habitat in relation to streamflow or stream channel
characteristics are, at best, subjective.
Due to the large size of the rainbow trout, it was suggested that
the steelhead criteria developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's
Cooperative Instream Flow Group (IFG) might be used to evaluate rainbow
spawning habitat in the Tazimina River (Isakson, personal communication).
Discussions with ADF&G area biologists indicate that the depth and velocity
criteria curves developed by IFG generally cover the range of habitat values
used by rainbow trout spawners in the Iliamna area (Russell, personal
communication; Bovee 1978). The substrate criteria was determined not be
4-46
.'
Il10'
-
applicable to the Tazimina River due to the wide range of substrate sizes
included. We recommend that field investigations be conducted to verify the
ranges expressed by the depth and velocity curves and to determine the
optimal habitat values for Tazimina River rainbow trout. In addition,
habitat preferences for substrate should be characterized.
4.1.2.6 Fish Resources Between the Falls and Lower Tazimina Lake
The physical character of this area includes both river and small lakes
in the river mainstem with substrate varying from solid rock, boulders ~ and
gravel in the more downstream area to sands and mud substrate in portions of
the small lakes in the river. River gradient is quite low, increasing
somewhat as one approaches the falls area. Several small tributaries enter
this mainstem segment.
Limited sampling in this river segment captured Arctic grayling, Arctic
char, and slimy sculpin. The latter were by far the most numerous. Sampling
in and at the mouth of tributaries (T-4 mouth, River Mile 13.5 and T-3 mouth,
River Mile 16.5 on Tazimina River) captured Arctic char, a few Dolly Varden,
and numerous slimy sculpins. Most Arctic char in the mainstem river were fry
in gravel patches in nearshore areas. While mature grayling were taken in
this area, no fry were captured here. Sculpins were also associated with
gravel areas but were more widely distributed than char fry.
The major sport fish species found was grayling. No small juveniles «85
mm fork length) were observed. Based upon Russell's (1980) data, the young
grayling not observed would be 1 to 2 year olds. Sampling techniques
(electroshocking and beach seining) would be expected to capture this size
grayling. Possibly these fish move to Lower Tazimina Lake or segments of the
river not sampled.
The importance of the side tributaries are not fully known. The
presence of char fry in these tributaries suggests that spawning of Dolly
Varden/Arctic char occurs in the system. Numbers of fry observed in these
locations were not great, al though some fry could have moved out of the
tributaries prior to the first sampling effort (mid-August 1981).
4-47
A field investigation in May 1982 looked specifically at fish and fish
habitats within the river section immediately upstream from the proposed
run-of-river diversion structure (Appendix C). This section is characterized
by high current velocity and boulder/cobble substrate. It does not represent
important habitat and fish use appears to be minimal.
4.1.2.7 Fish Resources of Lower Tazimina Lake
Lower Tazimina Lake is 12 kilometers (7.3 miles) in length with a
maximum width of 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) and a maximum measured depth of 62
meters (203 feet; Russell 1980). This lake has extensive shoal areas in the
outlet and inlet vicinity as well as along much of the southern shore. The
northern shore in some segments lacks this shoal area. The shoal area has
visible "boulder patchlf or bands of gravel and small cobbles that are appar-
ently created and maintained by wind/wave action during seasonally low lake
levels.
The limited fish sampling in 1981 in Lower Tazimina Lake resulted in
adult catches similar to those of Russell (1980). Arctic char dominated with
lesser numbers of grayling and a few Dolly Varden. Hook and line sampling in
August and September was very successful, indicating good sport potential.
Later in the fall, both char and grayling became more difficult to capture
with sport gear. Electroshocking indicated slimy sculpin were the most
numerous fish species in the lake. One Arctic char was taken near the bottom
and center of the lake by hook-line. Perhaps the most significant new
information acquired in 1981 concerned the importance of the above-mentioned
"boulder patch" areas on the lake shoals as rearing habitat for char fry.
The char were most numerous over extensive shoal areas containing these small
cobble areas. One small grayling (61 mm) was located in the 1981 survey.
No winter data are available. However, it is likely that Lower Tazimina
Lake provides overwintering habitat for at least a portion of the river
dwelling char and grayling.
Four small tributaries to this lake were examined. Sculpins dominated
all tributaries with sticklebacks the next most numerous. A few char fry and
4-48
some large grayling were taken in these tributaries. Again, it is possible
that sport species had moved out of these areas prior to our initial
observations (mid-August).
4.1.2.8 Fish Resources of the Tazimina River Between Lakes
The Tazimina River between lakes was drifted by rubber boat on one
occasion and, on another occasion, visited at one location by helicopter.
This river segment is generally different than that below Lower Tazimina Lake
in that the gradient is steeper. The river velocities are greater and
substrate material s are coarser except in the ex treme downstream segment.
The river has numerous side channels and log jams. Large holes and long
riffle chutes dominate this river segment. No lakes exist in the mainstem as
below Lower Tazimina Lake. Substrate is varied but generally includes good
spawning gravel up to large boulder substrate. Sands and finer substrates
were generally less prominent except at the lower end.
The hook-line sampling in this area located onl y grayling. Grayling
seemed quite numerous in this river segment. Electroshocking indicated
slimy sculpins were the most numerous species with sticklebacks second. No
grayling fry were taken with this method. A single char fry was located at
the mouth of a side tributary, suggesting that char spawning may occur
somewhere in this vicinity. However, this fish could have travelled down-
stream from Upper Tazimina Lake. Russell (personal communication) reported
that this section of the river is an important grayling spawning area.
4.1.2.9 Fish Resources of Upper Tazimina Lake
Upper Tazimina Lake was visited briefly even though it would not be
directly influenced by the proposed project.
Upper Tazimina Lake is approximately 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) long and
averages about 1.2-kilometer (0.75-mile) wide with a maximum measured depth
of 115 meters (377 feet; Russell 1980). The shore of the upper lake is
generally more steep as compared to the lower lake. The shoal areas in the
upper lake are also reduced except in the area north of the outlet of the
4-49
lake. Tributaries to the upper lake appear less accessible to fish in most
cases because of the steeper shore gradient. The outlet portion of Upper
Tazimina Lake is shallow, which may interfere with fish movements in and out
of the lake at some times of year.
Fish species taken in 1981 generally agree with those taken by Russell
(1980). Arctic char dominate with grayling occurring in lesser numbers.
Electroshocking in 1981 captured char fry in shallow gravel beaches near the
lake's outlet. Slimy sculpin appeared to be the most numerous species
present. No side tributaries were sampled. All work on the lake in 1981 was
confined to the outlet end of the lake.
4.2 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
4.2.1 Terrestrial Habitats
4.2.1.1 Construction Impacts
Development of a Tazimina hydroelee.tric facility would result in a
direct loss of approximately 1720 hectares (4250 acres) of natural habitat
due to construction of access roads, borrow sites, powerhouse site, dam and
spillway. An associated impact would be the short-term loss of habitat for
both birds and mammals as a result of noise and hUman activity.
The vegetation from the dam site to the powerhouse is mixed white
spruce-paper birch forest in protected well-drained areas along the river,
spruce woodland in poorly-drained areas, and low shrub and lichen communities
in exposed areas. These vegetation types are extensive throughout much of
this region and do not represent unique habitat types.
The access road from the existing road to Iliamna would traverse
through open, mixed spruce-birch forest and open low shrub areas of dwarf
birch/Labrador tea and lichen. Some riparian tall shrub habitat would be
encountered in crossing the major tributary to Lake Alexcy. The road from
the powerhouse to the dam site would cross through exposed low shrub com-
munities with scattered spruce trees. The habitat loss in the placement of
4-50
..
..
access roads would depend on the exact alignments. This habitat loss would
be permanent because of the gravel road overlay. Borrow sites for material
used in dam construction have not as yet been selected and impacts from this
activity would depend on exact locations.
Construction of transmission lines to the various villages would have
minimal effect on the vegetation since trees would be cut only along the
corridors and placement of poles would occur during the winter months.
Impacts on terrestrial birds would include direct loss of habitat from
excavations of material sites, construction of roads, and clearing for the
powerhouse site. Short-term habitat loss would also be expected from areas
adjacent to construction sites due to noise and human activity. Impacts on
waterfowl would probably be limited to disturbance from construction activity
and should not be long in duration. Total displacement of birds as a result
of this activity would not be great.
Construction activities along access roads and at project sites would
displace both small and large mammals in the immediate area. The major
tributary of Lake Alexcy, which supports beaver and provides a salmon fishing
area for brown bears, would be traversed by the access road from Iliamna.
This may result in the loss of a small amount of beaver habitat depending on
the exact alignment and may also displace bear which traditionally feed on
salmon in late summer. Construction activities should not affect bears
feeding along the lower Tazimina River. Wide-ranging species such as moose
and caribou should not be adversely affected by the habitat lost during
construction.
The operation of a construction camp would consitute a significant
disturbance to wildlife in the camp vicinity. Depending on camp policies,
workers could further affect wildlife populations through hunting activities.
Some animals, particularly bears, could be attracted to centers of human
activity. Animal behavior could be altered, reducing ability to survive
under natural conditions, and some nuisance animals may have to be killed.
4-51
4.2.1.2 Operation and Maintenance Impacts (Run-of-River)
The run-of-river concept would necessitate the construction of a
forebay dam or wier, resulting in the inundation of a relatively small amount
of habitat along the upstream side of the dam. Since the gradient of the
river at this point would be rather steep and the river valley is rather
narrow, a very small amount of riparian habitat along the river would be
lost.
This concept should have no significant impact on terrestrial
communities further upstream from the forebay dam nor should it have a
significant affect on vegetation downstream from the powerhouse site.
The operation of this project would have little affect on the birds of
the area. Some avoidance could occur around the powerhouse site as a result
of noise but this should not be significant. Bird populations and habitats
downstream from the powerhouse would not be affected since flow levels would
not be greatly altered.
Since no inundation of the lower lake would occur, waterfowl populations
would not be affected.
Wide-ranging mammals such as brown bear, moose and caribou should
not be significantly affected by the operation of the project. There may be
a certain amount of avoidance of the areas around the powerhouse as a result
of noise.
Since no significant amount of habitat would be flooded to create
storage, beaver habitat within the watershed would not be affected. However,
increased access to the lake systems could increase trapping pressure.
Beaver habitat downstream from the powerhouse should not be affected since
flow levels would not be significantly altered.
Permanent zones of disturbance would be created adjacent to roadways and
other sites of human activity. Habitat value of areas within the zone would
be reduced to some extent and wildlife abundance would probably decrease.
4-52
•
Probably the most significant impact to wildlife resulting from the
project would be related to enhanced access to remote areas provided by the
access road and transmission lines right-o f -way. The project development
road would allow residents of Newhalen and Iliamna to easily reach the Alexcy
Lake and Tazimina drainages. Hunting and trapping pressure would increase in
the vicinity of the roadway and big game and fur bearer abundance would
decrease.
4.2.1.3 Operation and Maintenance Impacts (Storage Concept)
The major environmental impact of this concept would be the loss of
approximately 1660 hectares (4,100 acres) of terrestrial habitat as a result
a f filling the storage reservoir. Since the area of inundation would be
flooded seasonally and exposed with the drawdown of the water level, a
nonvegetated zone would form between the present lake elevation of 196 meters
(645 feet) and the-maximum proposed reservoir level of 210 meters (690
feet) •
This zone is covered by a wide range of habitat types. The vegetation
along the southern shoreline of Lower Tazimina Lake is largely black spruce
woodland with small areas of riparian habitat along tributary streams.
Approximately 637 hectares (1,575 acres) would be inundated south of Lower
Tazimina Lake.
Along the northern shoreline, the vegetation is also predominately
black spruce woodland but near the head of the lake a more open, mixed
spruce-birch forest develops. Riparian habitats are similar to the south of
the lake but are rather limited in extent. A series of shallow ponds north
of the lake would also be inundated along with associated marsh vegetation
and low shrub habitat. Approximatel y 546 hectares (1,350 acres) along the
northern side would be lost as a result of flooding the reservoir.
Upstream from the inlet of Lower Tazimina Lake, inundation would result
in the loss of approximately 470 hectares (1,160 acres) of the valley floor
between the two lakes. The habitats that would be lost is mostly open white
spruce forest and tall shrub communities along the river, braided stream, and
4-53
tributaries and a large marshy area associated with beaver ponds at the head
of the lake. This freshwater marsh is the largest area of wetland habitat
around the lower lake. The remaining riparian habitats would be confined to
side tributaries and a small area downstream from the upper lake.
Terrestrial habitats downstream from the powerhouse should not be
signi ficantly affected since flow level will not be greatly changed.
The deletion of the 1,660 hectares (4,100,acres) of terrestrial habitat
from the Tazimina watershed would displace birds presently using the area for
nesting or feeding activity. These birds would either move to similar
adjacent habitats or attempt to use areas of lower habitat quality since
areas of higher quality would be at carrying capacity. The total number of
terrestrial birds using the area would decrease.
Waterfowl species would lose a certain amount of nesting habitat around
the lake but total numbers using this area are believed to be low. Major
considerations affecting waterfowl habitat would be impacts on the quality of
the aquatic system.
The inundation 0 f the lowland areas around the lake would directl y
displace all the small mammals presently occupying the area. Animals not
able to become established in adjacent areas would likely succumb to preda-
tion. This loss of habitat should not significantly affect areas remote from
the actual areas of inundation.
The storage concept would have a major effect on the beaver population
of the Tazimina watershed. The two major concentrations 0 f beaver, between
the Upper and Lower Tazimina Lakes and tributary T-4, would be lost along
with beaver dams at the mouths of the smaller tributaries along the lower
lake. The fluctuation of the water level would prevent use of the inundation
area. Beavers presently occupying these areas would be displaced to other
areas or would be eliminated. The only beaver habitat not directly affected
would be the small ponds along the bench area north of the lake and a small
portion of the upper Tazimina River just below the upper lake.
4-54
-
...
..
•
..
..
Beaver habitat downstrearr. from the powerhouse should not be signi fi-
cantly affected by this design concept since flow regimes would not be
greatly changed.
The major impact on local moose populations would be loss of high
quality riparian habitat along the upper Tazimina River, and along tributary
T-4 along the south side of Tazimina River. Along the upper river area
between the two lakes, approximately 465 hectares (1,150 acres) of terres-
trial habitat of mostly open spruce forest with dense willow understory and
tall shrub communities (primarily willows) would be eliminated as a result of
filling the reservoir. The area represents a majority of the high quality
moose habitat between the lakes. The only remaining riparian habitat would
be confined to tributaries draining into the river area. Valuable wetlands
habitat at the head of the lake would also be lost. A total of about 650
hectares (1,600 acres) of optimum quality moose habitat would be inundated.
Tributary T-4 flows into the Tazimina River 0.4 kilometer (1/4 mile)
above the proposed dam site and drains a broad low valley to the south. The
alluvial fan of the stream and areas adjacent to the stream also support high
quality moose habitat. Filling the storage reservoir would inundate this
area to a distance of 3 kilometers (2 miles). Habitats downstream from
the powerhouse along the lower Tazimina river should not be significantly
affected by the project.
The deletion of high quality moose habitat would significantly decrease
the overall quality of the Tazimina watershed for moose and would likely
reduce the total numbers of animals using the area. The increased size of
the lower lake could also restrict movement to some degree.
Brown bears use a wide range of habitats throughout the year and gen-
erally require 26 to 39 square kilometers (10 to 15 square miles) of habitat.
The surface area of habitat lost to inundation amounts to somewhat less than
that needed to support one bear. No optimum quality habitat (Figures 4-2 and
4-3) would be flooded. The main life requisite for brown bears that would be
lost as a result of the inundation would be the berry producing species such
as bog blueberry, lingonberry and cloudberry. All are common ground cover
4-55
species throughout much of the spruce woodland areas along the lake. In
addition to direct habitat loss, human activity could further reduce bear
habitat in the watershed. The increased size of the lower lake could also
restrict movement.
The inundation of the lower lake should have little impact on local
caribou populations since numbers are low and they are generall y a wide-
ranging species. As with the run-of-river concept, one of the more
signi ficant impacts on wildlife is likely to result from enhaqced access to
remote areas (Section 4.2.1.2) and continued low level disturbance adjacent
to project facilities.
4.2.1.4 Transmission Lines
Transmission line routing to serve the Bristol Bay region would traverse
a variety of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. During the course of this
study, potential transmission corridors were surveyed from fixed-wing air-
craft and interviews were conducted with local residents, guides, and
resource managers.
The transmission line corridors would provide winter trail access and a
reference for local navigation through many areas that are not heavily
exploited at this time. Direct habitat loss would be minimized, consisting
of only the area occupied by power poles, if winter construction techniques
are employed. However, if winter hunting or trapping activity became concen-
trated along transmission corridors, increased harvest of large mammals and
fur bearers would be anticipated.
In recent years, ADF&G (Faro, personal communication) has identified
occasional mortality to migrating eiders when they strike power lines during
bad weather. As a result, some increase in waterfowl mortality should be
anticipated, particularly within the proposed transmission corridor between
Kvichak River and Egegik.
4-56
.,
...
...
4.2.2 Aqu~tic Habitats
4.2.2.1 Lower Tazimina River (Below the Proposed Powerhouse)
Run-oF-River Concept -Streamflows in the lower Tazimina River below
the proposed powerhouse would not be altered by a run-oF-ri ver project.
ThereFore, no impact to Fish as a result of hydrological changes would occur
below the powerhouse. Water quality or temperature during plant operation
would also not be signiFicantly diFFerent From the natural condition.
Some impact to fish could occur during construction as a result of
sediment transport into the river and possible sediment deposition. Because
of the relatively small scale of the construction effort, these impacts would
probably not be signi ficant, assuming that good construction techniques are
followed.
Interruption of natural river flow may occur at various stages of
construction. The magnitude and extent of the effects of the interruption
would depend upon the timing of the activity and the altered flow regime.
Insufficient information is available at this time to identify these effects.
Storage Concept -Stream flows below the powerhouse would be reduced
during summer months and augmented during the winter months as described in
Chapter 3.0.
The majority of sockeye salmon spawn in the lower 10 kilometers (6.5
miles) of the Tazimina River. In 1981 Alexcy, Hudson, and Sixmile Braids as
well as a single channel reach the mainstem from River Mile 1 to 2 were
heavily used by spawners. Mainstem spawning habitats are less susceptible to
degradation from flow reduction than side channel habitats. A discharge of
700 cfs at River Mile 1.7 provides almost as much spawning habitat as does a
discharge of 1,500 cfs. Side channel spawning habitats, however, could be
adversely aFFected if flows drop below 1,000 cfs during spawning season.
Depending on the channel geometry, some mainstem areas may be similarly
affected under reduced flows. For example, spawning habitats along the
4-57
gravel bars at River Miles 2.1, 5.5, and 5.8 would likely be adversely
affected if streamflows were below 1,000 cfs in late August.
During the 1981 field season, sockeye salmon spawners were not observed
in depths less than 0.2 meters (0.6 feet) or velocities less than 0.2 fps,
even though shallower, lower velocity areas with suitable spawning substrate
were observed in the vicinity. These observations indicate that depths lower
than 0.2 meters or velocities less than 0.2 fps are undesirable for sockeye
salmon spawning. If postproject streamflows would cause depths or velocities
at existing spawning areas to be reduced below these levels, then it is quite
likely the value of the spawning habitats would be considerably reduced.
High velocities also appear to limit use of some areas. Sockeye salmon
spawners were not observed in water flowing faster than 4.4 fps. Most adult
sockeye observed in single channel mainstem reaches at a distance of 3,130
cfs were concentated in low velocity areas, either in a narrow discontinuous
band immediately adjacent to the stream banks, or downstream of debris jams.
Mean column velocities across much of the river in these areas were estimated
to be near 6 fps. The proposed project would limit the occurrence of high
summer flows, and perhaps pro v ide suitable spawning habitat in some areas.
However, many of the areas afflicted with high velocities also have large
substrate. Since substrate is not expected to change, few new spawning areas
are likely to be available under reduced flows.
Lower flows during the spawning season may also benefit spawners by
preventing access to lateral areas subject to dewatering under lower winter
flows. Fish would be encouraged to use spawning habitat less vulnerable to
dessication and freezing. This may increase incubation success. In years of
high escapement, concentration of spawners may cause some egg losses due to
superimposition. Sims (personal communication) observed many loose eggs in
the Tazimina River during 1979 when escapement was extremely high.
Postproj ect streamflows during winter are expected to be significantl y
greater than naturally occurring winter flows. This may result in flow over
some spawning areas presently subjected to dewatering. Eggs and developing
embryos in these areas would be protected from dessication and freezing.
4-58
...
..
""
This may result in better production. However, stream temperatures in the
winter period may be as warm as 4°C (39°F). These elevated winter water
temperatures may accelerate incubation. Intragravel water temperatures may
be directly influenced by stream temperatures, resulting in elevated intra-
gravel temperatures. Incubation may then proceed at a faster rate, causing
early hatching and emergence. The effects of early emergence in the Tazimina
River system have not been determined. In other systems, early emergence has
been associated with reduced survival due to prolonged exposure to cold
stream temperatures and reduced availability of food organisms (Baily et ale
1976).
However, some areas in the Tazimina River drainage may be influenced by
ground water. If the intragravel temperatures are controlled by ground
water, then embryo development in these areas would be less affected by the
predicted change in stream temperatures.
Streamflow alterations during the spawning period for resident fish
species such as rainbow trout and Arctic grayling (April-June) may signifi-
cantly affect these species. Tazimina River side channel habitats are
probably important to rainbow spawners. Although no field data have been
collected to sUbstantiate spawner use of the side channels, this type of
habitat is very important to rainbow populations in several other Iliamna
rivers including lower Talarik Creek and Copper River (Russell, personal
communication). Grayling spawners also use this type of habitat in other
areas of the state (Tack 1972).
Cooler water temperatures in May may delay resident spawning. Spawning
is correlated to rising water temperatures in spring. Rainbow trout have
been observed to spawn in 7°C (45°F) water in lower Talarik Creek and Copper
River (Russell 1974, Seidelman and Engel 1972, Seidelman et ale 1973).
Grayling spawning has also been correlated with increasing spring water
temperatures. Tack (1980) reported grayling spawning behavior commenced when
water temperatures reached 4°C. If April and May temperatures are depressed
below these levels, rainbow trout and grayling spawning may be delayed.
4-59
Interruption of natural river flow may occur at various stages of
construction. The magnitude and extent of the effects of the interruption
would depend upon the timing of the activity and the altered flow regime.
Insufficent information is available at this time to identify these effects.
A dam would further isolate the populations of fish within upstream and
downstream portions of the drainage. While upstream movement is prohibited
by the existing falls, some downstream movement of fish, particularly
juvenile char and grayling, probably occurs over the falls. Downsteam
movements of juvenile fish over the dam would be limited to periods when
water is escaping over the spillway. The ecological importance of outmi-
grating upstream juveniles to downstream fish populations is not known and
impacts cannot be predicted.
4.2.2.2 Tazimina River Canyon Area
Run-of-River Concept -Sockeye salmon spawning in the canyon area
are probably limited by lack of suitable spawning substrates. Suitable
substrates are present along stream margins and in deep scour holes and
spawning may occur in these areas. Appendix Banal ysis suggests that less
than 5 percent of Tazimina River spawners use the canyon area, and few
spawners were observed in the canyon during 1981 field studies. The proposed
run-of-river development is unlikely to adversely affect sockeye salmon
spawning within the canyon. Project-induced streamflow reductions during the
period August through September would not appreciably change depths and
velocities over the available spawning substrates in this segment. Water
temperatures and dissolved gas levels are also expected to remain unchanged
from preproject conditions. Thus the habitat conditions for spawners are not
expected to change significantly.
The effect of the project on incubation success in the canyon cannot
be projected. In the fall, low flows naturally dewater the stream margins,
probably exposing any eggs present to dissication and freezing (it is un-
likely that intragrevel flows would be maintained by groundwater infiltration
in this reach). Spawning that may occur in deeper portions of the channel
would probably be more successful as these areas are not dewatered under
4-60
",
..
..
..
..
..
..
natural conditions. Because of the present inability to estimate the depth
of flow in the river canyon when the river is ice covered (for both pre-and
postproject streamflows), the effects of a 30 to 75 percent reduction in
mid-winter streamflows on incubation success cannot be identified.
Stream temperatures under the postproject conditions are not expected to
be significantly different from preproject temperatures for much of the year.
However, postproject stream temperatures are likel y to cool to near 0° C
OZ°F) earlier in the fall (October/November) and may affect embryo devel-
opment. Colder water temperatures may slow the development process and delay
hatching and emergence. If the reduction in stream temperatures occurred
before the eggs have reached the eyed stage, embryo survival would be
significantly reduced.
Substrates in the canyon are not expected to become silted as the
natural sediment input is low and unlikel y to increase from project opera-
tion. In addition, no change is anticipated in dissolved oxygen levels.
Emergence and outmigration, which generall y occur in May and June, are
unlikel y to be signi ficantl y affected. Since outmigration occurs on the
rising limb of the hydrograph, sufficient water for fry transport is antici-
pated. Preproject flows are only expected to be decreased from Z to 10
percent from mid-May through June.
Field studies indicate that some rainbow trout spawning occurs in
the canyon. Spawning habitat in this reach appears to be very limited,
restricted primarily to gravels located in some deep holes and small isolated
deposits behind boulders. Project development is not expected to signifi-
cantly affect spring spawners. Streamflow reductions anticipated from
mid-May through June are not expected to be significantly different under
postproject conditions. Therefore the run-of-river project is not expected
to influence rainbow spawning in the canyon in the spring.
Rainbow trout incubation occurs from the time of deposition until
August. No detectable changes in habitat conditions. associated with egg
4-61
development are anticipated during this period. A 2 to 3 percent reduction
in streamflow is forecast for the June-August period. Changes of this
magnitude are not expected to effect preproject water surface elevation,
reach velocities, sediment transport, water temperature, or water quality
conditions. Thus, rainbow trout incubation is not expected to be adversely
affected by the propused run-of -ri ver development for those fish that spawn
in the spring.
Rearing hab itat for rainbow trout and other species in the canyon area
is confined to narrow discontinuous zones along the stream margins and to
isolated low velocity areas behind large boulders. The availability of
rearing habitat in the canyon is not expected to change appreciably during
much of the year. The proposed powerhouse diversions are unlikely to have a
detectable influence on the availability or quality of rearing habitats
during the period mid-May through October. The forecasted changes in average
monthly streamflows are too small to cause notable changes in the amount of
shallow, low velocity water along the stream margins.
Under reduced winter flows, the availability of rearing habitat may
change. However the magnitude or direction of this change cannot be pre-
dicted. Due to the uncertainties regarding pre-and postproject ice
conditions in the river canyon and the magnitude of the effect ice has on
depth, it is impossible to state whether the postproject river stage will be
higher or lower than mid-winter preproject levels. During winter months,
immature rainbow probabl y spend a considerable portion 0 f time within the
streambed gravels. The reduction in mid-winter streamflows could increase
the amount of anchor and slush ice forming in the canyon area.
increase mortalities by fish being frozen into the substrate.
This may
Although Arctic grayling are known to inhabit the river canyon, little
information is available on their seasonal use of this area. If grayling
spawn in the canyon, spawners would be present between late April and early
May. The effect of decreased streamflows during this period on the
availability of grayling spawning habitat cannot be forecasted due to uncer-
tainties regarding the location of such habitat and effects of postproject
flows on ice conditions in the river canyon.
4-62
...
..
..
-
...
Field studies indicate that grayling may use the canyon only during
the open water season. Adult grayling were captured by angling in the canyon
throughout the 1981 summer field season. No grayling were captured in
October, however. Physical characteristics of the canyon during the period
May through November are not expected to be markedly different under post-
project conditions. Therefore postproject use of the canyon by nonspawning
adults is not anticipated to be significantly different than that presently
occuring.
Very little information exists on the seasonal use of the canyon by
Arctic char/Dolly Varden. None were observed in the canyon area during the
1981 field season. If char spawn in the canyon, they would probably be
present from August through October, based on other studies in the region.
Streamflow reductions projected for these months range from 3 to 7 percent
and are not considered of sufficient magnitude to signi ficantl y change the
availability of spawning habitat in the canyon area. However, as with
sockeye salmon, the general effect of the reduction in midwinter streamflows
on incubation success cannot be anticipated. The effects of cooler stream
temperatures discussed for sockeye salmon incubation would also apply to
developing char embryos.
Storage Concept -Streamflows within the Tazimina River canyon area
(between the dam and the powerhouse) would be drastically reduced for most of
the year. Under such altered streamflow conditions, the existing aquatic
habitat within the Tazimina River canyon would essentially be lost. The
associated fishery resources would either be displaced or eliminated. Were
it possible for resident fish from below River Mile 8.3 to enter the river
canyon, the deep tranquil pools that are expected to ex ist may prov ide
suitable rearing or feeding areas. During portions of the year, fish may
become trapped in these pools. The greatest probability of flow occurring in
the canyon is during late May and from late August through September. Since
access to the lower river would exist in the fall when resident species are
normally mov ing downstreawm, it would be possible for fish to leave the
canyon area.
4-63
4.2.2.3 Tazimina River Damsite to Lower Lake
Run-of-River Concept -Impacts would be limited to that portion of this
river segment directly affected by the dam structure, intake pond. and intake
structure. Entrainment and entrapment 0 f young fish, particular! y gray ling,
could occur at the intake depending on the intake design and mitigation
measures used. Field investigations (Appendix C) indicate that the river
segment that would be altered by the intake pond does not contain high
quality fish habitat and fish use is light. The very small impoundment would
probably not have a significant impact on fish above the dam.
Storage Concept -In addition to the above run-of-river impacts,
impoundment of wate~ behind the dam would greatly alter the character of the
area. The primary impact to fish would be the conversion of about 6 kilo-
meters (4 miles) of riverine habitat to lake habitat. Grayling and the more
numerous sculpins would be the main species influenced in this system.
Arctic char, Dolly Varden, and unidentified char fry were not as numerous in
this area as in other portions of the drainage.
The anticipated impact would be the loss of grayling habitat and
possible increase of Arctic char habitat. Existing spawning and rearing
habitat for grayling and char would be lost. New shoreline (in currently
terrestrial areas) of this reservoir could be unsuitable indefinitely for
shore spawning. Reservoir fluctuation could dewater attempted spawning of
Arctic char where it may occur~ Stranding mortalities could occur in side
area ponds during drawdown periods.
4.2.2.4 Lower Tazimina Lake
Run-of-River Concept -No direct impacts would occur.
Storage Concept -The surface elevation of Lower Tazimina Lake would
increase by up to 11 meters (35 feet) as a result of the storage dam. The
lake would increase in length by about 2 kilometers ~7 miles) and the surface
area would double. It is difficult to predict the effect on fish 0 f such an
alteration. Total lake surface area and amount of littoral (shallow water)
4-64
..
...
...
habitat would increase, thus suggesting a potential increase in carrying
capacity for lake dwelling species. On the other, hand water level fluctu-
ations could prevent the establishment of natural shoreline patterns.
Spawning and rearing habitats, such as the "boulder patch" areas could be
eliminated. Arctic char, the dominant sport species, could be adversely
affected if critical nearshore habitats are removed and not re-established.
However, the life histories of char and the other species such as grayling
and Dolly Varden are not sufficiently well known to accurately predict
impacts.
Decaying terrestrial vegetation in the impoundment area could reduce
dissolved oxygen in parts of the lake, especially during the winter, and
potential y harm fish. However, the flow of river water through the lake
suggests that this would not be a critical problem except in isolated areas.
4.2.2.5 Tazimina River Between the Lakes
Run-of-River Concept -No direct impact would occur.
Storage Concept -That portion of this river segment above the maximum
extent of inundation would not be directly impacted. From this location
downstream, the riverine environment would become part of the storage reser-
voir for varying parts of the year. The major loss would be the productive
Arctic grayling habitat now present. Some Arctic char habitat may be gained
to compensate for the grayling habitat lost. Depending on the frequency and
magnitude of elevation changes, stranding mortalities are possible in the
inundation area. Approximately 60 percent of the riverine habitat in this
segment would be lost or greatly modified.
4.2.2.6 Transmission Lines
Many rivers and streams would be crossed by transmission lines in the
Bristol Bay region. Assuming winter construction and placement of power
poles away from flowing waters, minimal impact to aquatic habitat or fish-
eries is anticipated. Selection of routes to avoid air traffic zones,
including high use sport fishing areas, would further reduce potential
4-65
aquatic impacts. However, the use of submarine cables (if feasible) at major
river crossings would cause sedimentation during the construction period.
4.2.2.7 General Impacts
Beyond the direct effects to the aquatic env ironment discussed above
from a run-of-river or water storage hydroelectric project at Tazimina are
the more subtle but often more important influences of an indirect nature.
The following are types of such impacts:
1. Increased access to the general area over what now exists would
occur both during construction and in later operat ion. Salmonid
resources, which appear bounti ful , are in fact slow growing and
some species may not be able to support a substantial increase in
sport or subsistence fishing without adverse effect. Most vulner-
able would be trophy sized rainbow trout, grayling and char. The
presence of trophy fish is dependent in part on a low level of
fishing pressure. More rigid regulations to protect these fish
would be a probable consequence of project development. Enforce-
ment of such regulations could be difficult because of the nature of
the area.
z. The convenience prov ided by a power supply could encourage more
settlement. These activities could include more lodges (increasing
sport fishing pressure) as well as possible industrial activ Hies
(e.g., mining), which could impact Tazimina and other systems.
4.3 MITIGATION OF BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS
Design, construction, and operational details for the Tazimina project
alternative concepts have not been sufficiently refined to allow an indepth
consideration of potential mitigation measures. Furthermore, critical
environmental parameters such as hydrological characteristics of the Tazimina
drainage, fish utilization of stream habitats, and instream flow requirements
need further investigation to provide a basis for recommendations.
4-66
-.
..
•
.. ..
.,
WIt· ..
...
...
It is uncertain at this time whether hydrological development on the
Tazimina River will proceed and, if it does, which project concept will be
selected. It is appropriate, there fore, that discussion of mitigation be
postponed until a particular project has been selected for detailed feasi-
bility study.
4-67
REFERENCES
Anderson, J.W., 1968. Sockeye salmon spawning ground studies in the Kvichak •
River system, Alaska, 1965, 1966, and 1976. Fisheries Research
Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Circular 68-12. 34
pp.
Bailey, J.E., J.J. Pella, and S.G. Taylor, 1976. Production of fry and
adults of the 1972 brood of pink salmon, Oncorhynchus ~orbuscha, from
gravel incubators and natural spawning at Auke Creek, laska, rishery
Bulletin. 74(4):961-970.
Baluta, E. Interview, August 12 and August 17,1981. Fishing guide,
Nodalton, AK.
Berns, V.D., R.J. Hensel, 1972. Radio tracking brown bears on Kodiak Island.
-
...
International Con ference on bear research and management. Union for the II!!' .•
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Series No. 23.
Bovee, K.D., 1978. Probability-of-use criteria for the family salmonidae.
Cooperative Instream Flow Service Group, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Fort Collins, CO. Instream Flow Information Paper No.4. 80 pp.
Buck, E.H., et a1., 1978. Bibliography, synthesis, and modeling of Naknek
River aquatic system information. Arctic Environmental Information and
Data Center, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK. Report for the
National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of Interior. 244 pp.
Burgner, C.J., 1951. Characteristics of spawning nests of Columbia River
salmon. Fishery Bulletin 611:7-10.
Burgner, R.L., C.J. DiCostanzo, R.J. Ellis, G.Y. Harry, Jr., W.L. Hartman,
O.E. Kerns, Jr., O.A. Mathisen, and W.F. Royce, 1969. Biological
studies and estimates of optimum escapements of sockeye salmon in the
major river systems in southwestern Alaska. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv.,
Fish. Bull. 67(2):405-469.
Cahalane, V .H., 1959. A biological survey of Katmai National Monument.
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collection 138(5). 246 pp.
Chambers, J.S., G.H. Allen, and R.T. Pressey, 1955.
study of spawning grounds in natural areas.
Fisheries, Olympia, WA. 175 pp.
Research relating to
Washington Dept. of
Dean, F.C., 1957. Investigations of grizzly bears in interior and arctic
Alaska. Report No.1, work done in Mt. McKinley National Park. Report
to Arctic Institute of North Am., Unpublished.
Demory, R.L., R.F. Orrell, and D.R. Heinle, 1962. Spawning ground catalog of
the Kvichak River system, Bristol Bay, Alaska. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Washington, DC. Special Scientific Report--Fisheries 488.
Fisheries Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Contribution 168. 292 pp.
4-68
...
...
Ellis, R.J., 1974. Distribution, abundance, and growth of juvenile sockeye
salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, and associated species in the Naknek River
system, ~961-64. U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service, Special
Scientific Report-Fisheries 678. 53 pp.
Erickson, A.W., 1965. The brown-grizzly bear in Alaska: Its ecology and
management. Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Juneau, AK.
Hartman, W.L., T.R. Merrell, and R. Painter, 1964.
sockeye salmon in Brooks River, Alaska.
Mass spawning behavior of
Copeia. 1964(2):362-368.
Hartman, W.L., C.W. Strickland, and D.T. Hoopes, 1962. Survival and behavior
of sockeye salmon fry migrating into Brooks Lake, Alaska. Transactions
of the American Fisheries Society. 92(2):133-139.
Haugh, J.R., J.P. Potter, 1975. Evaluation of raptor populations; Tuxedni
Bay, Iliamna Lake, Noatak River Valley, and Fortymile River Valley of
Alaska. Report to USDI Bureau of Land Management and Fish and Wildlife
Serv ice.
Hemming, J.E., R.E. Pegau, 1970. Caribou project annual segment report.
Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Fed. Aid Wildlife Report. Juneau,
AK.
Hemming, J.E., 1971. The distribution and movement of caribou in Alaska.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Tech. Bull. No.1. Juneau, AK.
, ,1975. Alaskan problems and prospects. In Proceedings of First
---=Ir:-n-:-t-e-rnational Reindeer and Caribou Symposium, FaIrbanks, Alaska. 551
pp.
Hoopes, D. T., 1962. Ecological distribution of spawning sockeye salmon
in three lateral streams, Brooks Lake, Alaska. Ph .D. Thesis. Iowa
State University, Ames, IA. 235 pp.
Hulten, A., 1967. Flora of Alaska and neighboring territories. Stanford
University Press.
Isakson, J. Inteview, Awgust 29, 1981. Fisheries biologist, Dames & Moore
Consulting Engineers, Seattle, WA.
LeResche, R.E., R.H. Bishop, J.W. Coady, 1974. Distribution and habitats of
moose in Alaska. Naturalists. Can. 101:143-178.
Lentfer, J.W., 1972. Remarks on the denning habits of the Alaska brown
bears. International Conference on bear research and management. Union
for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Series No. 23.
Manville, R.H., and S.P. Young, 1965. Distribution of Alaskan mammals. U.S.
Fish & Wildl. Serv., Circular 211:74 pp.
Mathisen, O.A., R.F. Demory, and R.F. Orrell, 1972. Notes on the time of
hatching of red salmon fry in Iliamna District, Bristol Bay, AK.
Fisheries Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Circular 1973. 12 pp.
4-69
McAfee, W.S., 1960. Redds of the red salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, in three
streams of the Alaska Peninsula. M.S. Thesis. University of Michigan,
Ann Arbor, MI. 39 pp.
Merrell, T.R., 1964. Ecological studies of sockeye salmon and related
limnological and climatological investigations, Brooks Lake, Alaska,
1957. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Special Scientific Report--
Fisheries 456. 66 pp.
Murie, A., 1944. The wolves of Mt. McKinley. National Park ServIce. Fauna
No.5. Wash. D.C.
Murray, D.F., 1980. Threatened and endangered plants of Alaska. USDA Forest
Serv ice.
Nelson, M.L., 1964. Spawning ground survey of red salmon eggs and larvae
in Bristol Bay 1963. Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Juneau, AK.
Information Leaflet 40. 7 pp.
Poe, P.H., 1981. Kvichak salmon studies. Presentation for the Bristol Bay
Interagency Meeting, February 4-5. Anchorage, AK. 1 Vol.
, Interviews, August 27 and December 1, 1981, telephone conversa-
-----';"'t"'io-n-, February 2, 1981. Fisheries Research Institute, University of
Washington, Seattle, WA.
Racine, C.H., S.B. Young, 1978. Ecosystems of the proposed Lake Clark
National Park, Alaska. Contributions from the Center of Northern
Studies No. 16. USDI and Natonal Park Service.
Russell, R., 1974. Rainbow trout life history studies in lower Talarik
Creek--Kvichak drainage. Sport Fish Div., Alaska Dept. of Fish and
Game, Juneau, AK. Federal Aid in Fish Restoration. Vol. 15. Study
G-11. 48 pp.
, 1979. Field notes and data sheets for reconnaissance investi-
------gaEion, July 16-20, August 11-23 and September 6-16, 1979. Alaska Dept.
of Fish and Game.
,1980. A fisheries inventory of waters in the Lake Clark National --.-:----Monument area. Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game and U.S. National Park
Service, Anchorage, AK. 197 pp.
, Memorandum, January 23, 1980. Commercial Fisheries Division, --"'-r..---:-Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, King Salmon, AK. Memorandum to Russ
Redick, Sport Fish Division, Anchorage, AK.
, Telephone conversation, February 2, 1981. Commercial Fisheries ----..:0..,.-.,.... Division, Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, King Salmon, AK.
Siedelman, D.L., P.B. Cunningham, and R.B. Russell, 1973. Life history
studies of rainbow trout in the Kvichak drainage of Bristol Bay. Sport
Fish Div., Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Juneau, AK. Federal Aid in
Fish Restoration. Vol. 14. Study G-11. 50 pp.
4-70
-
...
....
W·
Siedleman, D.L., and L.J. Engel, 1972. Studies of trophy game fish in
Kvichak and Alagnak (Branch) drainage of Bristol Bay. Pages 41-66 in
Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game. Federal Aid in Fish Restoration. Vol.
13. Study G-11. Sport Fish Div., Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game,
Juneau, AK.
Sims, William. Interviews, August 19 and September 22, 1981. Lodge owner,
Nondalton, AK.
Skogg, R.O., 1969. Ecology of the caribou (Rangi fer tarandus Granti) in
Alaska. Ph.D. thesis, Univ. of California, Berkeley, 699 pp.
Tack, S., 1972. Distribution, abundance, and natural history of the Arctic
grayling in the Tanana River drainage. Sport Fish. Div., Alaska Dept.
of Fish and Game, Juneau, AK. Federal Aid in Fish Restoration. Vol.
13. Study G-11. 34 pp.
, S., 1980. Distribution, abundance, and natural history of the
-~-:-Arctic grayling in the Tanana River drainage. Annual Report. Sport
Fish Di v., Alaska Dept. 0 f Fish and Game. Federal Aid in Fish
, Restoration. Vol. 21. Study R-I. 32 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1980. Terrestrial habitat evaluation
criteria handbook -Alaska Division of Ecological Services, USFWS,
Anchorage.
Williamson, F.S.L., L.J. Peyton, 1962. Faunal relationships of birds in the
Iliamna Lake area" Alaska. Biological papers of the University of
Alaska, No.5.
4-71
5.0 HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
5.1 HISTORICAL SETTING
5.1.1 Tazimina River-Tazimina Lakes
The Tazimina River-Tazimina lakes area is rarely mentioned in the
anthropological literature. A discussion of past native use of the Tazimina
area is mentioned in a study of subsistence use of the Lake Clark area
completed for the National Park Service by Steven Behnke (1978). Behnke
reports that the Tanaina Athapaskan name for Tazimina is taz' in~, which
means "fish trap lake." In the past, salmon were taken in fish traps placed
at the outlets of many streams in the region, including some in the vicinity
of the Tazimina lakes. Rainbow trout were also taken in fish traps here
(Behnke 1978). Nondalton residents still catch rainbow trout around the
mouth of the Tazimina River in the spring, though the importance of this
resource has decreased in recent decades due to over fishing by sportsmen
(Behnke 1978). A second major use of the Tazimina lakes was as a trapping
ground. The area was particularly good for trapping beaver, but marten, fox,
and other furbearers were taken as well (Behnke 1978). A third use of the
Tazimina lakes in the past was as a major travel route between Lake Clark and
the village of Old Iliamna. According to Behnke's informants, the route went
from the Tanalian River up the first valley to the south as far as the
Tazimina lakes. From there. one route led south to the village of Chekok
while the other continued to the head of the lakes and then down a river to
Pile Bay (Behnke 1978).
James Kari, a linguist at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, has
collected the Tanaina names for four geographic features in the area. Two of
them, taz'in ~ ("fish trap lake," Lower Tazimina Lake) and unqeghnich'er
taz'in ~ (Upper Tazimina Lake) as already noted, reflected the subsistence
use of the area. The others, sata'iy (untranslated, a mountain on the north
shore of Upper Tazimina Lake) and ungeghnich'en z'uni ("upper protrusion," a
mountain on the south shore of Upper Tazimina Lake), probably identified
local landmarks for the trapper and traveler (Behnke 1978). Past or present
Tanaina use of the area is also reflected in several native allotment claims
5-1
at the head of the lower lake and on the river between the upper and lower
lakes (Stephen Braund, personal communication). Neither the Alaska Heritage
Resources Survey Inventory, through July 22, 1981, nor the National Register
of Historic Places, through mid-November 1981, lists any cultural resources
located on the Tazimina River or Tazimina lakes.
Speci fic references to the Tazimina River-Tazimina lakes area are also
rare in the historical literature. The Russian-American Company, which in
the first half of the 19th Century sometimes manned a fur-trading station in
the Iliamna region, may have been unaware that the Tazimina lakes existed or
at least considered them to be unimportant. A Russian map of the north
Pacific, dated 1849, shows Lake Iliamna, a body of water to the north
that is probably Lake Clark, and a smaller unidentified lake, possibly part
of Lake Clark, still further north, but includes no indication of the
Tazimina system (Teben'kov 1852). The earliest well-known expedition to the
region in the American period, sponsored by Frank Leslie's Illustrated
Newspaper in 1891, "discovered" and named Lake Clark and descended the
Newhalen River. The expedition continued no further to the east, however,
and took no note 0 f the T azimina system (Schanz 1891). The names 11 Tazimeena
River" and "Taziminah Lakes" were recorded in 1902 by W.H. Osgood of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and A.G. Maddren of the U.S. Geological Survey,
respectively, in the course of a biological reconnaissance of the region
(Orth 1967). Osgood's map of the expedition's route shows the Tazimina River
and both the upper and lower lakes (Osgood 1904). The hydroelectric
potential of the Tazimina River was noted by a later Geological Survey
expedition, which mapped the area in 1909 (Martin and Katz 1912). Orth
(1967) notes that the names "Nulhutno," "Nohutno," and "Nulkutno" have also
been applied to the Tazimina system, but no further mention of these names
was found in the literature.
It appears from what little information is available in the literature
that the types of historic and late prehistoric sites likely to be found on
the Tazimina River-Tazimina lakes will consist of temporary camp sites used
for fishing, trapping, and as travelers' rest stops. These sites may be
small and shallow or may be quite large as a result of repeated use over the
years. This hypothesis has not, however, been verified by any systematic and
5-2
-
-
-
..
..
thorough archeological survey of the area and other types of sites may be
represented.
5.1.2 Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark
Because of the lack of archeological information on the specific study
area, a discussion of the types of sites that have been or may be found in
the broader Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark region may be appropriate since these
sites would probably be representative of the types that may be present in
the project area. Some previous archeological work has been carried out in
this broader region. Townsend and Townsend (1961) completed a preliminary
survey of the north shore of Lake Iliamna in the summer of 1960 and excavated
a late prehistoric Tanaina site at Pedro Bay. VanStone and Townsend (1970)
excavated at Kijik, a Tanaina village of the historic period, on Lake Clark
in 1966. Smith and Shields (1977) conducted a survey of the shores of Lake
Clark and seven small lakes to the north of it in 1976 in connection with the
proposed Lake Clark National Park. Throughout the early 1970s, various
native groups identified a number of sites of historic importance to them in
connection with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
The prehistory of the Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark region is poorly known.
Small sites representing Eskimo and land-based hunting traditions and
spanning the past 9,000 years have been found scattered to the south on
Bristol Bay and the Alaska Peninsula and to the north as far as the sources
of the Mulchatna and Stony Rivers (Smith and Shields 1977). Many of the
inland sites are small camps, located on ridges and terraces high above
present-day lakes and rivers, whose ages have been estimated on the basis of
the types of tools found in them (Smith and Shields 1977). Additional
archeological survey. and excavation in this region appear to have a great
potential for yielding data that will clarify our understanding of the early
cultural history of southwestern Alaska.
Most of the known archeological sites in the Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark
region date to the late prehistoric and historic periods. Many can be
attributed to either the Eskimos or the Tanaina Athapaskans, the native
5-3
groups resident in the area today. The latter group has occupied the eastern
two-thirds of Lake Iliamna and the entire Lake Clark region to the headwaters
of the Mulchatna and Stony Rivers since at least the end of the 18th Century,
when some Tanaina may have moved west from their Cook Inlet homeland to
escape the Russians (VanStone and Townsend 1970). The Tanaina subsisted upon
the important salmon resources of this region as well as upon large game
animals such as caribou and moose. A relatively dependable food supply
allowed them to maintain semi-permanent villages of semi-subterranean
log houses or, later, above-ground log cabins. Other types of Tanaina
settlements were summer fish camps along the rivers and lakes and summer and
fall hunting camps in the hills and mountains. Light, temporary shelters of
poles and bark or canvas were used at such camps (Behnke 1978). Evidence of
Tanaina fish-storage pits, raised meat caches, caribou fences, and summer
foot trails might also be found in the study area (Behnke 1978).
Some historic sites in the Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark region may relate to
Russian and American activities there. The Russians began exploring the
Alaska Peninsula at least as early as 1785 (Bancroft 1886) and had
established a fur-trading post in the Iliamna area some time before 1798,
when it was destroyed by the native inhabitants (Bancroft 1886). Although the
Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark region was never a major site of Russian occupation,
periodic trading expeditions were sent to the Iliamna area in the first
decades of the 19th Century and a trading post had evidently been re-
established there by 1821 (Liapunova and Fedorova 1979, Townsend and Townsend
1961). Other Russian activities in the region included a brief and illfated
religious mission to either Iliamna village or Kijik village in 1796
(Bancroft 1886, Townsend and Townsend 1961) and several expeditions that
explored parts of the Alaska Peninsula in the early 19th Century (Townsend
and Townsend 1961). Archeologists have not yet positivel y identified the
sites of the Russian posts or other activities in the Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark
region, but such sites are potentially present. After 1867 American
merchants continued in the fur trade established by the Russians. Very few
whites lived in the region until early in the 20th Century when a number of
prospectors and miners arrived to search for gold, primarily around Lake
Clark and in the Mulchatna River drainage. A few other whites operated
5-4
..
-
support services, such as the small lumber mill established near Tanalian
Point in the 1930s (Behnke 1978). Archeologists have located a number of
cabins and buildings in the Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark region which date to the
early 20th Century and may be related to these activities (Smith and Shields
1977) •
5.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS BASED ON ARCHEOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE
An archeological reconnaissance of the proposed project area (Figures
5-1 and 5-2) was conducted on September 21-22, 1981. A surface survey was
at two potential powerhouse sites on the Tazimina River. No evidence of
cultural resoures was found at either site. Site A is located on the south
side of the river, SW 1/4 NE 1/4 section 26, and site B is located on the
north side of the river, NE 1/4 NW 1/4 of the same section, T 3 S, R 32 W,
Seward Meridian. Locations were based on the verbal descriptions of poten-
tial sites and the sites described may not correspond to those finally
selected.
Site A lies approximately 23 meters (75 feet) above the river on what
appears to be the second of three terraces above the floodplain. The site is
above a riffle in the river where several fishermen were observed on the day
of the survey. The floodplain, just above the river, was quite wet on the
day of the survey. It supports a stand of spruce, poplar, and willow with an
understory of shrubs and grasses. Remnants of the first ter.race above the
floodplain are visible about hal f way up t.oe face of the second terrace.
This narrow shel f is covered with mosses and lichens, as are the faces of
both terraces. The second terrace is broad and relati vel y flat. Vegetation
is patchy, consisting primarily of mosses, lichens, lowbush cranberries, and
blueberr ies. Coarse gravel and sand. are exposed in many areas. There is a
small stand of stunted spruce near the east edge of the terrace. The second
terrace terminates on the south in a steep hill that may represent yet
another terrace.
The main survey area was bounded by the edge of the terrace on the north
and east and by the foot of the hill or third terrace on the south. The west
edge of the area was located approximately 91 meters (100 yards) west of an
5-5
o
n \ \ ) J
V ;--7.0
I '
"'\
o
cJ !;J
o () o
o
LOCATION OF
THIS MAP
(]
o
o
O KNOWN HISTORICAL SITE
AHRS NO. ILl 004
AREAS COVERED ON FOOT AT :WA,B PROPOSED POWERHOUSE SITES
AREAS COVERED ON FOOT AT ~ 1,2 RECENT CAMPSITES
,,-----, AREAS COVERED IN
l ) AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE "" --\..--
~ -~-
I
ONE MILE
ARCHEOLOGICAL
SURVEY SITES
IN THE
TAZIMINA RIVER
DRAINAGE
Dames & Moore Figure 5-1
--,
\
\. ......
/
(
\
I
/
I
\
\
\
)
~ 1 2 AREAS COVERED ON FOOT AT ~, RECENT CAMPSITES
(,----'_ AREAS COVERED IN ,
'_/\..., ..... -.... AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE
LOCATION OF THIS MAP
~ -~-
I
ONE MILE
ARCHEOLOGICAL
SURVEY SITES
IN THE
TAZIMINA LAKES
AREA
Dam •• & Moor. Figure 5-2
orange-flagged survey line that ran from the edge of the terrace down to the
floodplain. A series of six transects, each approximately 274 meters (300
yards) long, was walked parallel to the edge of the terrace. The first
transect was along the terrace edge itself, the second and third transects
were spaced at 6-meter (20-foot) intervals from the first, and the remaining
three transects were spaced at 9-meter OO-foot) intervals from the third.
An area of approximately 274 meters by 40 meters (900 feet by 130 feet) was
covered. No holes were dug, but a number of sandy blowouts and exposures of
coarse gravel were examined for evidence of cultural material. A series of
small holes was also examined. They appeared to have been blasted out as
some sort of test associated with the survey line mentioned above. It was
later learned that the survey line was associated with topographic mapping of
the area and the blasted holes were the results of a seismic testing
program. No cultural material or evidence of cultural stratigraphy was
visible in either the natural or man-made exposures. Brief forays down to
the floodplain along the survey line and back to the hill marking the south
boundary of the terrace were also made. No evidence of cultural resources
was found.
Site B lies somewhere between a gravel knob approximately 9 meters (30
feet) above the river and an abandoned beaver dam on the floodplain.
The floodplain is a tangle of dead standing and fallen trees around a
large drained beaver pond with a small stream running through it. It once
supported some sizeable spruce and poplar. The first terrace above the
floodplain is very low, wet, and spongy with standing water, moss, lichens,
some grass, and a few stunted spruce. The second terrace 0 ffers a firmer
footing but is still rather spongy. Vegetation consists of moss and lichens
with a few spruce. The terrace rises slightly as it approaches the foot of a
steep-sided gravel knob to the north. This knob and several others of
similar height in the area may be remnants of a third terrace. Vegetation
atop the knob is patchy and consists of moss, lichens, lowbush cranberries,
and a small stand of stunted spruce. Coarse gravel and sand are exposed in
many places.
5-8
The entire surface of the small gravel knob was examined by walking
back and forth across it at 3-meter (10-foot)intervals. No holes were dug
but all blowouts and gravel exposures were examined for cultural evidence.
If the powerhouse is built here the gravel knob may serve as a staging area
or source of fill. No surface indications of cultural resources were found.
The second terrace was traversed along the base of the gravel knob, along the
edge of the terrace, and about half way between those two transects. There
were no natural exposures and no surface evidence of cultural resources. No
test pits were dug. The first terrace was too wet to examine thoroughly.
Because of standing water, the terrace was skirted and the survey confirmed
across to the floodplain and abandoned beaver dam. As noted above, the
beaver pond was drained, but the remnants of the dam and the single lodge
were of impressive size. There were moose tracks in the pond basin. The
river bank was traversed for approximately 15 meters (50 feet) but no
evidence of cultural resources was seen. The opposite bank of the river here
is extremel y high, nearl y vertical, and appears to be composed of gravel.
On September 22 aerial reconnaissance around the perimeter of Lower
Tazimina Lake was completed, concentrating upon any areas adj acent to the
lake less than 213 meters (700 feet) above sea level. The 213-meter contour
is above the maximum water level expected if the proposed dam is built across
the outlet of the lake. The vegetation of this area appears to consist
primarily of mosses, lichens, and low shrubs with scattered stands of spruce.
Many of the spruce are stunted, but those in better-drained areas and in the
river valley between the upper and lower lakes are large and vigorous. There
are a number of old beaver dams on streams feeding into the lower lake and on
some of the channels of the river connecting the upper and lower lakes. A
moose with a calf was observed in the connecting valley. The beaches of the
lower lake range from narrow ones with small cobbles to broad ones of fine
gravel. In a number of areas a series of several low beach berms were
noted. These may represent either former levels of the lake or storm berms.
All are vegetated. Narrow boggy swales lie between the berms.
The reconnaissance was carried out from a helicopter flying slowly at a
relatively low altitude. Starting on the north side of the lower lake outlet,
5-9
...
...
•
...
....
..
'"",
the survey was flown along the lake shore in a clockwise direction. Guided
by the USGS topographic maps of 1:63,360 scale, detours inland were made to
fly over all areas which appeared to lie below the 213-meter contour. At the
head of the lake the survey continued east up the braided river that connects
it with the upper lake approximately as far as the 213-meter contour before
returning to the south shore of the lower lake. Throughout the reconnais-
sance the ground was scanned for areas of unusual or disturbed vegetation,
pits, cairns, cabin foundations, or any other signs of human activity. Only
one recent site, described below, was spotted from the air.
The helicopter landed to allow examination of a modern campsite on the
south lake shore, SE 1/4 NE 1/4 section 20, T 2 S, R 30 W, Seward Meridian.
The site lies just above a broad crescent of beach composed of fine gravel.
To the east is a stream with beaver ponds, apparently abandoned. To the west
is another small stream. There are two low, older beach berms in this area,
both grown over with moss and lichens. The site itself consists of a recent
meat or drying rack of poles, vestiges of a camp fire, and recent trash.
Associated with the site is a weathered wooden skiff, with a square bow and
empty square fuel cans in the bottom, which has been pulled up off the
beach. In the same area are weathered, ax-scarred tree stumps, rusty cans,
and some small sawn sections of a log. Muskeg vegetation stretches from the
beach inland about 15 meters (50 feet) to a stand of stunted spruce. Several
beer cans, more faded than the trash at the recent camp, lie among the
trees. It is apparent that people have used this area repeatedly. A
traverse along the water's edge was made from west to east as far as the
point of land east of the beaver stream and from east to west along the
inland edge of the beach as far as the stream west a f the site. A short
distance upstream to the beaver ponds was also walked. No test pits were
dug, but the beach, cut banks, and other n~tural exposures were examined for
cultural material. No evidence of cultural resources older than perhaps 30
or 40 years was found.
At the end of the aerial reconnaissance the helicopter also landed to
allow examination of the river bank and the shores of a small pond on the
south side of the lake outlet, SE 1/4 NE 1/4 section 35, T 2 S, R 31 W,
Seward Meridian. Although nothing was seen from the air here, the area had
5-10
been marked as a good camping place on a map compiled by personnel of the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (1980). Working under the assumption
that today's good camping place may have been used in the past as well, it
was decided to explore the area. No surface evidence of human activity was
found along the north shore of the pond, on the isthmus between the pond and
the river, or on the hill northeast of the pond. The area is covered with
mosses, lichens, low shrubs, spruce, and willow and, except for the hill, is
rather wet for camping. The survey continued out to the river bank and along
the west side of the point marking the lake outlet. The river bank here is
very stony but rises gradually, providing a small crescent of beach. Above
the beach evidence of two camp fires, trash, firewood, and ground disturbance
was found as if someone had camped here. The camp appeared to be quite
recent. On the point some small sawn stumps were found but no other surface
evidence of human activity.
5.3 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
There are no previously known cultural resources on the Tazimina River
or Tazimina lakes. Aerial reconnaissance of the potential inundation
area around Lower Tazimina Lake and surface survey of two potential power-
house sites did not reveal any cultural resources of obvious significance.
The survey methods used, however, are designed to detect only relatively
large and readily visible cultural resources and produce data suitable only
for general studies of project feasibility. If the lower Tazimina dam
project is determined to be feasible, it is recommended that the following
addi tional archeological studies be conducted before project construction
begins:
o Subsurface testing at the two recent campsites discovered during
the aerial reconnaissance of Lower Tazimina Lake. On the surface,
neither site appears archeologically significant. Both sites may,
however, contain buried evidence of earlier and potentially
signi ficant camps. It is obvious that at least one of the camps
has been used repeatedly over the years. The old beach berms at
that site may contain older remains. As both sites would probably
be damaged if the lake were dammed, they should be more closely
examined.
5-11
o Surface reconnaissance of the more heavily forested areas of the
potential inundation area, especially along the Tazimina River
between the lower and upper lakes. As noted above, the sites
within the inundation area are likely to be small, temporary camp
sites that would be difficult to spot from the air under the best
conditions and easily obscured by heavy vegetation.
o Subsurface testing at the speci fic sites where construction
excavation is planned, especially on the terraces above the present
river bed and on the floodplain. As noted above, prehistoric sites
have been found high above present-day rivers and lakes in the Lake
Iliamna-Lake Clark region and late prehistoric and historic Tanaina
fish camps may be located next to the modern river. Some of the
prehistoric sites may be deeply buried and not readily detectable
in surface survey. Subsurface testing and intensive survey at
construction sites and material sources are more efficient when the
specific area of potential disturbance has been defined and marked
on the ground. Unfortunately, the most deeply buried sites may not
be discovered until a contractor has removed the overburden with
heavy equipment. In such cases an on-site inspection may be
required.
o Surveys of additional areas of project impact. In this study,
potential transmission line corridors; substation sites, access
roads, or other areas of potential disturbance were not examined.
Transmission line corridors and any access roads should at least be
examined by an archeologist from the air and portions should be
examined on the ground as well. SUbstation sites and other
speci fic areas of ground disturbance should be examined on the
ground.
5-12
REFERENCES
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1980. A fisheries inventory of waters
in the Lake Clark National Monument area. Alaska Department of Fish and
Game and U.S. Department of Interior-National Park Service, (n.p.).
Bancroft, H.H., 1886. History of Alaska,1730-1885. A.L. Bancroft and Co.,
San Francisco.
Behnke, S.R., 1978. Resource use and subsistence in the vicinity of the
proposed Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. Anthropology and Historic
Preservation, Cooperative Park Studies Unit, Occasional Paper No. 15.
University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Liapunova, R.G., and S.G. Fedorova, 1979. Russkaia Amerika v
neopublikovannykh zapiskakh K.T. Khlebnikova. Nauka, Leningrad.
Martin, G.C., and F.J. Katz, 1912. A geologic reconnaissance of the Iliamna
region, Alaska. U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 485. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Orth, D. J., 1967. Dictionary 0 f Alaska place names. Geologic Survey
Professional Paper 567. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.
Osgood, W.H., 1904.
Peninsula. U.S.
North American
D.C.
A biological reconnaissance of the base of the Alaska
Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Biological Survey,
Fauna 24. Government Printing Office, Washington,
Schanz, A.B., 1891. Our Alaska expedition. Frank Leslie's Illustrated
Newspaper, vol. 72:337; vol. 73:138-139, 156, 188, 208, 224, 240.
Smith, G.S., and H.M. Shields, 1977. Archeological survey of selected
portions 0 f the proposed Lake Clark National Park: Lake Clark, Lake
Telaquana, Turquois Lake, Twin Lakes, Fishtrap Lake, Lachbuna Lake and
Snipe Lake. Anthropology and Historic Preservation, Cooperative Park
Studies Unit, Occasional Paper No.7. University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Teben'kov, M.D., 1852. Atlas severozapadnykh beregov Amer iki. •• St.
Petersburg.
Townsend, J.B., and S.-J. Townsend, 1961. Archaeological investigations at
Pedro Bay, Alaska. Anthropo~ogical Papers of the University of Alaska
10(1):25-58.
VanStone, J.W., and J.B. townsend, 1970. Kijik: an historic Tanaina Indian
settlement. Fieldiana: Anthropology, vol. 59. Field Museum of Natural
History, Chicago.
5-13
6.0 SOCIOECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS
6.1 INTRODUCTION
< ,
The Bristol Bay region is generally defined geographically as the area
represented by the 30 communities within the boundaries of the Bristol Bay
Native Corporation (BBNC). This study does not include this entire area, but
rather represents only 18 communities within the larger region. Two villages
west of Dillingham (Togiak and Twin Hills) and Alaska Peninsula communities
south of Egegik are not included. In this chapter, the "Bristol Bay region"
re fers to the entire area incorporated with BBNC' s boundaries, while "study
area" only refers to the 18 communities within the Bristol Bay Regional Power
Plan study area.
For purposes of analysis, the 18 study communities are organized into
the five subregions ~isted below. Although these subregions do not coincide
with local schemes, they do correspond to the five "energy zones" identi fied
by Stone and Webster Engineering Corporation (SWEC).
Iliamna Subregion 1
Iliamna (25)
Newhalen (11)
Nond alton (16 )
Kvichak River Subregion
Levelock (25)
Igiugig (12)
Kvichak-Egegik Bay Subregion
Naknek (13)
South Naknek (10)
King Salmon (10)
Egegik (9)
Nushagak Bay ~ubregion
Dillingham (11)
Aleknagik
Portage Creek (4)
Clark's Point
Ekuk (1)
Manoktak
Nushagak River Subregion
Ewok 0)
New Stuyahok (9)
Koliganek (20)
-;---n;e numbers in parentheses represent the number of persons interv iewed
in each community.
6-1
Research was conducted during November and December 1981 as well as
January 1982. Most of the information was gathered during informal inter-
v iews with local residents, inc Iud ing v BIage counci I membe rs, city
administrators, resource managers, and other knowledgeable people. These
interviews consisted primarily of open-ended questions that. allowed residents
to express their thoughts related to a number of relevant topics.
Depending on community preferences, two types of interviews emerged
in the field: ind i v idual and small group or community meetings. Relevant
information related to the power plan (developed by SWEC) was presented.
The project, status of research, and various alternative scenarios where
described. All people interviewed were shown U.S.G.S. 1:250,000 series maps
of the proposed Tazimina Project and corresponding transmission lines and
were asked to comment on the routes as well as make recommendations.
Because the various alternative plan scenarios (blue line maps) devel-
oped by SWEC were not available when visits were made to the Iliamna
subregion as well as Igiugig, these residents did not see them. In these
communities, the Tazimina Project and related transmission lines and the
Kukaklek al ternati ve were primaril y addressed. In the remainder of the
communities, all of the maps were reviewed by interviewees.
It is important to remember that the Bristol Bay region is currently
affected by a number of forces that originate outside of the region. Local
residents I attitudes and concerns should be seen in the context that the
Bristol Bay Regional Power Plan is only one of many governmental "plans" for
the region. Others include:
o State of Alaska proposed public land disposals.
o Proposed federal offshore oil and gas development lease sales.
o Bristol Bay Cooperative Management Plan mandated by d-2 legislation.
6-2
....
o The urban threat to the State's subsistence priority law.
o State of Alaska proposed onshore oil and gas lease sales.
All of the above, including a regional power plan, could cause long-
term changes in the social and economic infrastructure of the region. More
important, most of these developments are viewed as threats to existing
lifestyles and cause stress and worry related to an uncertain future,
especially in the smaller, more isolated villages.
6.2 POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHY
Table 6-1 represents population figures for the communities in the study
area for 1950 to 1980 as well as the approximate number of limited entry
fishing permits per community. One of the most apparent demographic char-
acteristics of the Bristol Bay region is the low population density. In
1980, the aggregate popul ation of the 18 study communities was onl y 4,177
persons, and 57 percent of these people live in either Dillingham, King
Salmon, or Naknek. The remainder of the population is located in scattered
villages ranging in size from 7 to 325 persons (Table 6-1). Given both the
nature of the environment and the importance of subsistence activities, this
low population density is probably related to locally important subsistence
harvests that require large land areas around each settlement. Reflecting
the region's dependence on water for both a transportation network as well as
commercial and subsistence fishing, all 18 study communities are located on
either a lake, river, or bay.
According to Kresge et ale (1974), the small rate of population increase
from 1960 to 1970 (Table 6-1) was lower than the rate of natural increase due
to births and deaths and thus implied that people migrated from the Bristol
Bay region during the decade. They attributed this slow growth rate to both
a reduction in military personnel stationed in the area as well as signifi-
cant Native out-migration. The net increase in civilian Native population
was less than the natural increase, while two-thirds of the growth in the
civ ilian white population was due to net migration into the area (Kresge et
a1. 1974).
6-3
1950 1
Aleknagik 153
Clark's Point 128
Dillingham 577
Egegik 119
Ekuk
Ekwok 131
Igiugig
Iliamna 44
King Salmon
Koliganek 90
Levelock 76
Manokotak 120
Naknek 174
New Stuyahok 88
Newhalen 48
Nondalton 103
Portage Creek
South Naknek
Subtotal, 18
Communities est.
Remaining 12
BB Communities est.
Total: 30 BB
Communities
1Source: U.S. Census
2Source: Langdon 1981
3Not Available
4Excludes King Salmon
TABLE 6-1
BRISTOL BAY REGIONAL POWER PLAN STUDY AREA:
VILLAGE POPULATION AND LIMITED ENTRY PERMITS.
Percent Approx. No. of Percent of
1960 1 1970 1 19801 Change Limited Entry 1980
1970-1980 Permits (1980)2 Population
with Limited
Drift Set Total Entry Permit
231 128 154 20.3 30 19 49 31.8
138 95 79 -16.8 10 9 19 24.1
424 914 1,535 67.9 136 93 229 14.9
150 148 75 -49.3 24 30 54 72.0
40 51 7 -86.3 2 9 11 157.1
106 103 79 -23.3 16 17 21.5
36 36 33 -8.3 6 6 18.2
,...
47 58 94 62.1 12 21 33 35.1
227 202 536 165.3 NA3
100 142 116 -18.3 15 3 18 15.5 -
88 74 80 8.1 11 8 19 23.8
149 214 293 36.9 37 27 64 21.8
249 318 317 -0.3 47 66 113 35.7 ...
145 216 325 50.5 30 4 34 10.5
63 88 87 -1.1 6 3 9 10.4
205 184 170 -7.6 12 13 25 14.7
60 50 -16.7 10 2 12 24.0
142 154 147 -4.5 15 34 49 33.3 .'
2,580 3,185 4,177 31.2 419 342 761 20.94 ..
1,020 1,079 1,356 25.7 NA3
3,600 4,264 5,533 29.8
,.
However, during the same 10-year period, a number of Native villages in
the study area experienced signi ficant population growth: Koliganek, New
Stuyahok, Manokotak, and Newhalen (as well as Togiak and Twin Hills outside
of the study area). With the exception of Newhalen whose residents,
according to the 1970 census, are pr imaril y Aleut, v irtuall y the entire
population cif the other villages is Eskimo. These Eskimo settlements are
relatively isolated from the more urban population centers, the Eskimo
culture and language is very strong, and residents rely on local resources
for subsistence hunting and fishing as well as trapping. Kresge et al.
(1974) attributed the rapid growth in these Eskimo communities to migration
either from other villages or from outside the region and described this
pattern of population change among Bristol Bay Eskimos as a process of
"de-urbanization."
Between 1970 and 1980, the Bristol Bay region, as well as the 18 study
communities, increased in population approximatel y 30 percent. This repre-
sents an increase of slightly over 2.5 percent per year, and is nearly twice
the growth rate as the previous decade. Because detailed 1980 census data is
unavailable at this time, the reasons for this growth are unclear, but it may
be associated with migration into the region. Increased services associated
with both the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) as well as State
and federal programs have resulted in an influx of non-Natives to administer
these services. Reasons Natives may have moved back to the villages include:
perceived increased economic opportunity in the villages associated with
ANCSA; higher fish prices and catches in the late 1970 's; construction 0 f
village high schools and other capital projects; and preferences for a return
to village life.
The communities with the largest growth in the 1970 I S are Dillingham,
King Salmon, and Iliamna, primarily non-Native, commercial, transportation
centers. In Dillingham, growth may be due primarily to increased govern-
mental services, more job opportunities, and larger commercial salmon catches
as well as higher -fish prices (especially in the last 5 years). Iliamna's
growth is related to its emergence as a subregional transportation and
recreational center. The population of the entire Bristol Bay Borough
6-5
(Naknek, South Naknek, and King Salmon) declined slightly from 1970 to
1980 1 (Alaska Department of Labor 1981), while Naknek and South Naknek
remained relativel y constant. Therefore, the phenomenal growth in King
Salmon is likel y explainable in that the air force base is included in the
1980 population while it was not included in 1970.
The majority of the region's population is concentrated in Dillingham
and the Bristol Bay Borough. In 1970, these relatively urbanized areas
represented 50 percent of the population in the study area, while in 1980
they represented 60 percent. Writing in the early 1970's, Kresge et a1.
(1974) saw no reason these urban population centers would continue to grow.
According to controversial 1980 census figures, the Bristol Bay Borough lost
approximately 5 percent of its population between 1960 and 1970, while
Dillingham's population rose 68 percent. This growth is likely a result of
its role as a governmental service, transportation, and employment center, as
well as increased commercial fishing catches and prices.
According to available 1980 census data, the rapid growth in the Eskimo
communities identified in the 1960's did not, in all cases, continue in the
1970's. In the study area, only Manokotak and New Stuyahok exhibited sub-
stantial growth. Part of the reason for the decline in population in many
Native villages may be due to population shifts within the region. It is not
uncommon for villagers to move from village to village. For example, most
Portage Creek residents are originally from Koliganek, many families from
Levelock have moved to Igiugig, and New Stuyahok and Manokotak are likel y
attracting residents from other villages. Additionall y, this popul ation
movement within the region may also help to explain Dillingham's growth as
people move to find employment.
According to the 1970 census, 71 percent of the Bristol Bay population
(exclusive of the King Salmon A.F.B.) were Alaska Native (Eskimo, Indian, or
Aleut). The majority of non-Natives, which comprised approximately 29
1~ugh officials believe that 1980 census figures are low by nearly 600
persons (see Kramer, Chin & Mayo 1981).
6-6
...
percent of the population, were concentrated in the relatively urbanized
communities of King Salmon, Naknek, and Dillingham. If these three com-
munities are not considered, 87 percent of the region's population were
Native. In 1970, Eskimos constituted 41 percent of the Bristol Bay popula-
tion. The majority of Eskimos in the region lived in Togiak, New Stuyahok,
Manokotak, Koliganek, Aleknagik, Ekwok, Kokhanok, and Dillingham. Aleuts,
which represented 23 percent of the region's population, lived primarily in
Dillingham, Newhalen, South Naknek, Naknek, Levelock, and communities further
south on the Alaska Peninsula. Aleuts comprised the largest ethnic group in
Dillingham. Tanaina Indians, located primarily in the Iliamna subregion
villages of Nondalton and Pedro Bay, made up only 7 percent of the Bristol
Bay population. (Corresponding 1980 figures are unavailable.)
Although the region's population is comprised of all three Alaska
Native groups as well as non-Natives, no one ethnic group predominates.
Representatives of the various cultures are dispersed throughout the region.
Dillingham's population has a sizeable number of all ethnic groups. There
are, however, predominantly Eskimo (Koliganek, Manokotak, New Stuyahok,
Kokhanok, and Togiak) and Indian (Nondalton and Pedro Bay) communities,
which suggests that ethnic groups have tended to concentrate in specific
communities (Kresge et ale 1974).
The population figures in Table 6-1 do not reflect the enormous influx
of people into the region during the summer as a result of both the commer-
cial salmon fishery and sport hunting and fishing. During the summer salmon
runs, the commercial fishing industry provides the largest source of private
employment in the region. A sizeable number of commercial fishermen and
cannery workers come from outside the region and leave at the end of the
season. Most Bristol Bay residents also participate in this fishery, which
may be their only source of employment for the year. This is especially true
for Natives who leave their v illages for commercial fishing and return home
at season's end.
Because they have canneries, Dillingham, Naknek, South Naknek, and
Egegik are inundated with people during the fishing season. Although
6-7
canneries are not presently active in Ekuk and Clark's Point, both of these
communities are basically cannery towns whose populations swell in the summer
months. On the other hand, residents in the Nushagak River subregion (Ekwok,
Koliganek, and New Stuyahok), the Kvichak River subregion (Levelock and
Iguigig), and the Iliamna subregion (Iliamna, Newhalen, and Nondalton)
generally tend to leave their communities to participate in the commercial
fishery. Because they are located inland from the coast, these communi ties
are not subject to large population increases associated with commercial
fishing.
Although villages in the Nushagak River, Kvichak River, and Iliamna
subregions are relatively isolated from the direct impacts related to com-
mercial fishing, these settlements are experiencing seasonal population
pressures of another type -non-local sport hunters and fishermen who often,
from the villagers' perspective, compete with them for wildli fe resources.
The Nushagak River, Kvichak River, Lake Clark, Lake Iliamna, as well as
numerous smaller streams and lakes within the study area increasingly attract
more and more recreationists, who are viewed with growing alarm by residents
in these relatively isolated, predominantly Native communities. Because the
region has both a relativel y small population as well as a low population
density, sport hunters and fishermen who travel by motorboat and aircraft can
impact local subsistence harvests of fish and game. Village concerns
related to the increasing number of non-local recreationists in the region
are reflected in their attitudes toward a regional power plan.
6.3 SOCIOECONOMIC CONCERNS
6.3.1 General
Because the commercial salmon fishing industry is the economic base of
the Bristol Bay region, residents in all 18 study communities are very
concerned about the effects of hydroelectric development on the region's
fisheries. With few exceptions, commercial fishing or fish processing
represents the primary source of cash for Bristol Bay residents. Evidence
of the Bristol Bay Native reliance on commercial fishing is apparent in
6-8
Langdon's 1981 report where he summarized the findings of the Bristol Bay
Native Association's (BBNA) fishermen questionnaire conducted in the fall of
1980. According to this survey, respondents, who represented approximately
25 percent of all Bristol Bay Native permit holders, indicated that 83.1
percent of their annual income comes from salmon fishing, and 58.4 percent
indicated that salmon fishing was their only source of income (Langdon 1981).
Langdon (1981) also found that approximately seven Bristol Bay residents are
dependent on the fishing earnings of the median sampled resident fishermen.
Villages with a high dependent-to-fishermen ratio included Newhalen, Iliamna,
Koliganek, Manokotak, New Stuyahok, and Togiak. Communities with a low
dependent-to-fishermen ratio were Dillingham, Naknek, Egegik, and Aleknagik,
while South Naknek occupied an intermediate position (Langdon 1981). Even
the remote possibility of a negative effect on the salmon fishery is gener-
ally too big a risk for cheaper, or cost stable electrical power. As one
resident said, "What good will cheap power be if it harms the salmon runs.
Without salmon, I will not be here to enjoy the power."
6.3.2 Iliamna Subregion
All three study communities in this area desire bulk fuel storage
facilities. Fuel is delivered only during the summer months when high water
allows barges to ascend the Kvichak River, and each resident is responsible
for his own storage. Generally, local residents run out of fuel before the
end of winter and consequently have to fly in fuel at great expense.
In addition, the overwhelming majority of interviewed residents in these
three communities expressed a strong desire for a centralized electrical
system. Currently, all three communities generally rely on individual,
privately owned generators, which, as discussed below, result in maintenance
intensive, expensive electricity. In Iliamna, most people, because of higher
economic opportunities unrelated to commercial fishing, have private gener-
ators that support relatively large houses and lodges. Because many lodge
owners maintain their facilities year-round, they require dependable
electricity. Whereas summer is the peak period for the sport hunting and
fishing lodges in Iliamna, residents in Newhalen and Nondalton often leave
6-9
their villages for commercial fishing, subsistence fish camps, or fire
fighting. Although most Newhalen residents have electr ic it y, many house-
holds share one generator. In Nondalton, although most people do without
electricity, they pay high prices for blazo and kerosene, which are used for
lights and cooking.
Although residents in this subregion realize the local benefits related
to the Tazimina Project (centralized power system, cheaper electricity,
potential employment during construction, and possible economic stimulus),
many of those interviewed expressed concern about undesirable construction
impacts. Generally, residents were worried about the potential effect of 300
to 500 construction workers in the Iliamna/Lake Clark area should the large-
scale Tazimina project be built. The following is a summary of some of the
major concerns:
o There is very little land available for community growth.
o Rumors that from 30 to 60 famil ies would move into the area has
caused concern related to the affect on the local school in
Newhalen (which serves both Iliamna and Newhalen).
o Of the people who come to work on the project, the general feeling
was that many would elect to stay in the area after project com-
pletion. Residents did not favor this permanent growth.
o Residents feared the potential boom/bust cycle associated with
large construction projects. Local residents were concerned about
the real problems that would begin when the construction period
ended and the area contained more people than it could adequatel y
support.
o More people in the general area would mean greater competition for
local resources.
6-10
o The desire to keep the area relatively isolated and unpopulated was
not consistent with a large construction project that would attract
new people.
o Related to the current population of the nearby communities
(Iliamna: 94; Newhalen: 87; Nondalton: 170), the potential size of
the construction crew would be alarmingly large.
o Currently, Iliamna, Newhalen, and Nondalton are small, rural
communities based on a wilderness environment. Both local sub-
sistence and sport harvests are predicated on a relatively low
density of population. Consequently, many of those interviewed
feared the possible changes that would be caused by an influx of
construction workers and/or a larger permanent population.
o Because of the potential impact on the communities, all of those
interviewed preferred that construction workers be housed in an
isolated, single-status camp, rather than either establish a new
community or inundate existing communities.
o No facilities exist for workers in town (except the lodges in
the winter).
o Residents did not want construction workers in town on
Saturday night.
Although residents expressed concerns related to potential socioeconomic
impacts related to the Tazimina Project (see above), they were overwhelmingly
in favor of the facility because:
o It is located above the salmon spawning areas.
o The benefits of a centralized, cost stable electrical system seemed
to far outweigh both socioeconomic concerns as well as any conflict
with current land use in the immediate area.
Because local Iliamna area residents are both in favor of the project
and have serious concerns related to potential socioeconomic impacts,
6-11
mitigation measures are very important if hydroelectric development occurs in
either this area or the larger region. For example, isolated, single status
construction camps with strict regulations on transient construction workers
related to village visiting and hunting and fishing in the immediate area may
di ffuse many of the local concerns. Additionall y, if the road into the
hydroelectric facility were kept under a limited access policy, especially
during the construction period, potential conflicts could also be so ftened.
Primarily because of inconveniences and high transportation costs
associated with transporting fuel and other goods from Iliamna, Nondalton
residents who were interviewed unanimously favored a road connection to
Iliamna. Currently, the "portage" road extends to a "landing" on the upper
Newhalen River, approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) below Nondalton. In
the past, Nondalton villagers voted against the completion of the road
because they desired to protect their Tanaina village lifestyle. Now, the
lack of local economic opportunities and rising fuel and freight costs have
apparently caused villagers to decide the benefits of a road to Iliamna
exceed the disadvantages.
6.3.3 Kvichak River Subregion
Related to the Kukaklek hydroelectric alternative, Igiugig and Levelock
residents did not want construction or maintenance personnel to move into the
area on either a temporary of full-time basis. Although residents recognized
that they could probably obtain needed employment on the project, they felt
this economic opportunity was not worth potential construction and environ-
mental impacts.
6.3.4 Kvichak-Egegik Bay Subregion
The Bristol Bay Borough (especially Naknek and King Salmon) is the
transportation and governmental service center for the Kvichak side of
Bristol Bay. Consequently, any development projects on the Kvichak side that
utilize the services of the borough could have an impact on it. But, because
none of the proposed hydroelectric facilities are located near Naknek, King
6-12
.....
Salmon, South Naknek or Egegik, direct socioeconomic impacts related to
project construction are not addressed.
Because commercial salmon fishing and fish processing is the basis of
the local Naknek, South Naknek, and Egegik economies, residents in this
subregion are very concerned about the potential effects energy development
may have on salmon. These three communities have a relatively high per-
centage of residents with Limited Entry Commission permits (Table 6-1), and
salmon canneries, which form the tax base of the Bristol Bay Borough, are
located in each community. Consequently, any negative effect on salmon could
result in significant economic impact in this subregion.
6.3.5 Nushagak Bay Subregion
Located in this subregion, Dillingham is the transportation, communi-
cation and service center for the Nushagak side of Bristol Bay. Although
only one of the proposed hydroelectric facilities is located in the Nushagak
drainage (the Chikuminuk Lake site), if it is developed, Dillingham will
likel y serve as a preliminary base of operations and therefore be impacted.
In addition, depending on how construction equipment and materials are
transported to the site, the Aleknagik road as well as the village of
Aleknagik could also be impacted by the development of this site.
As shown in Table 6-1, residents in the six communities in this sub-
region represent over half of the limited entry fishing permits in the study
area. developed, will probably have little affect on Nushagak salmon,
residents in this subregion are very concerned about the general welfare of
the Bristol Bay salmon fishery. If hydroelectric development harms the
salmon runs on the Kvichak side, fishermen who normally fish near Naknek may
move to Nushagak Bay and therefore compete with fishermen already established
there. Consequently, any negative impact on salmon in either the Kvichak or
Nushagak drainage could have an economic affect on fishermen in this
subregion.
6-13
6.3.6 Nushagak River Subregion
Although onl y approximatel y 13 percent of the residents in the three
communities (Ekwok, New Stuyahok, and Koliganek) of this subregion hold
commercial fishing permits, these villages have a high dependent to fishermen
ratio (Langdon 1981). In add it ion, salmon fishing prov ides the 1 argest
source of income to most residents. Consequently, any impact on Bristol Bay
salmon, as discussed above, will also affect these communities. At the same
time, because of their isolation and relatively conservative orientation,
these communities depend on and greatly value local hunting, trapping, and
fishing practices. Any disruption of current harvest levels could cause
stress as well as economic and cuI tural hardship in the communi ties.
6.4 ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE PROJECT(S)
6.4.1 General
Generally, most Bristol Bay residents who were interviewed did not favor
a regional power plan to meet Bristol Bay energy needs. Local residents
continually asked about the possibility of smaller scale, village power
generation systems, or at least subregional plans. At a minimum, residents
see the study area as at least three distinct subregions: Iliamna/Newhalen
subregion; the Kvichak River drainage; and the Nushagak River drainage.
Consequentl y, based on the interviews, they preferred separate power gener-
ation and distribution systems designed to meet the needs of these three
subregions. Most of the people interv iewed in Dillingham and Naknek
questioned the idea of connecting these two subregional service centers
together, especially under diesel generation.
The local preferences for subregional or smaller scale power plans are
understandable when one examines the similarities and differences in the
Bristol Bay region. Although commercial fishing and subsistence hunting and
fishing are very important throughout the study area and give residents a
degree of commonality, the Bristol Bay region is not necessarily politically,
socially, or economically united. First, this region, which encompasses
6-14
nearly 144,000 square kilometers (44,000 square miles), is comprised of
three distinct ethnic groups: Eskimos, Indians, and Aleuts, and therefore is
not culturally homogeneous. Second, political disunity and factionalism
exist at various levels in the region --between subregions as well as the
small Bristol Bay Borough, often within and among communities, between
regional corporations, and in some cases, between the regional profit
corporation and the villages. Third, 'although commercial fishing forms
the primary economic base in the region, the various subregions are not
economically interdependent upon each other. Fishermen in upper Bristol Bay
generally fish either the Nushagak or Kvichak side, and Egegik residents fish
at Egegik. In this context, when Bristol Bay residents were asked to comment
on large-scale, regional power schemes that united the entire study area into
one electrical system, they generally failed to see any reason to combine
such a large area. Thinking in terms of existing cultural, economic,
political, and land use patterns, smaller, more subregional or local systems
made much more sense to them. Except for the Iliamna area (Section 6.4.2),
this was a general trend throughout the study area.
Because of the high cost of fuel oil, it is a common perception through-
out the region that if electricity is cheap enough, it may be economical to
heat with it.
6.4.2 Iliamna Subregion
Because they have inadequate community storage facilities for fuel as
well as no community electrical distribution system, residents of Iliamna/
Newhalen/Nondalton were generally very receptive to the Tazimina Hydro-
electric Project. Presently, individual residents produce their own
electricity with privately-owned generators. Fuel must be barged in at great
expense. Inadequate fuel storage and the lack of necessary funds to pay for
a year's supply of fuel often necessitates some people to fly-in fuel in the
spring. If the large-scale Tazimina Project is not feasible, then the
majority of residents in this subregion who were interviewed favored a
smaller hydroelectric facility that would serve local needs.
6-15
Five of the fishing lodges in Iliamna have conventional heating systems
(e.g. hot water baseboard heat), which require the buildings to be maintained
dur ing the winter. With one exception, these lodge owners, as well as the
vast majority of Iliamna area residents who were interviewed desire a
cheaper, cost-stable, centralized electrical system, such as that offered by
the Tazimina Project. Among the problems associated with the current,
independent electrical systems are:
o Logistics problems and high costs of barging fuel up the Kv ichak
River.
o Necessity to buy and pay for a years supply of fuel at one time.
o Numerous maintenance problems with individual generators, espec-
iall y in winter.
o High costs associated with individual generators, storage tanks,
freight for fuel, and maintenance.
In contrast to other subregions, residents in the Iliamna area were so
concerned about getting a centralized, cost-stable power system that they did
not question the large-scale regional power plan concept to the same degree
as residents in the other communities. Residents who were interviewed in the
Iliamna area were willing to live with transmission lines extending west from
the Tazimina site, as long as they received power. Although Iliamna area
residents could have expressed a preference for a small-scale Tazimina
project that would only serve their subregion, and consequently avoid the
necessity of power lines to points west, they took a more regional perspec-
tive. In other words, if the study identified the Tazimina River as the
regional power source, they were willing to accept power lines in their area
that would serve the remainder of the region. At the same time, if the power
source were located in another area, they wanted the power lines to bring
power to their subregion.
6-16
..
Local residents realize that the Tazimina Project has many logistic
advantages over other possible sites in the region:
o Airport large enough to accommodate jet aircraft.
o Iliamna is a regular port of call for barge system from Naknek.
o A partial road system to the site exists (Newhalen "portage" road).
Generally, people in the Iliamna area are aware that salmon do not spawn
above the falls. Consequently, they are not overly concerned about any
potential impact on this resource. If they believed there were any threat to
the red salmon that ascend the Tazimina River, their feelings towards the
project would likely be very different. (Sport fishing lodge owners who
utilize the Tazimina River are concerned about potential impacts caused by
increased access to the river).
Once it is constructed and in operation, the Iliamna-Newhalen Electrical
Co-op., which would prov ide diesel generation at Newhalen and transmission
lines to Iliamna, Newhalen, and Nondalton, may have an effect on local
attitudes towards future hydroelectric projects. Based primarily on its role
as the transportation and service center for the Iliamna subregion as well as
its sport fishing potential, the Iliamna area has a strong potential for
economic growth. At the same time, this area has the poorest electrical
generation and distribution system in the study area --independent, priv-
ately-owned generators. Consequently, residents in this area are desperate
for electrical relief and as a result are very much in favor of the Tazimina
Project. Once the diesel co-op is in operation, people's attitudes may
change. It may be such an improvement over the existing method of electrical
generation that the potential impacts of the Tazimina Project may, from the
local perspective, outweigh the benefits. This discussion is meant to put
Iliamna residents' strong feelings in favor of Tazimina Project into a
regional context (e.g. no other subregion was equally in favor of the
project).
6-17
6.4.3 Kvichak River Subregion
Because Igiugig and Levelock residents are related and share common
hunting, fishing, and trapping areas, both villages share similar concerns
for the effect transmission lines and associated energy development plans
will have on the local environment. As one Levelock woman said, "I would
rather pay for oil and gas than see the fish and game disappear. II
One of the first questions asked in this as well as the Iliamna
Subregion was, "What about Pedro Bay and Kokhanok?"
Because salmon do not spawn above the proposed hydroelectric site, and
because it is apparently not close to important subsistence hunting and
fishing areas, Igiugig residents believed the Tazimina site was acceptable,
although they do not like transmission lines. On the other hand, if Kukaklek
Lake is identified as the site for a hydroelectric facility, they preferred
to live without hydroelectric power. These strong feelings against the
Kukaklek Lake site extended into the local high school where students wrote
essays against this project. One Igiugig man said "The use of Kukaklek Lake
for electrical generation is worse than burning oil."
One community leader in Levelock feared that if the Tazimina River
project is constructed, more people will move into the area and the Kukaklek
Lake facility will be required to serve these additional people. Therefore,
he was opposed to the Tazimina plan.
Similarily, residents in these two villages believed that even if
Kukaklek Lake were only developed for local needs, that once developers got
this far, they would expand the facility later.
6.4.4 Kvichak-Egegik Bay Subregion
Related to hydroelectric development in the Bristol Bay region, resi-
dents in the Bristol Bay Borough can be divided into two groups:
6-18
..
o Those who are in favor of cheaper or cost-stable power, as long as
hydroelectric development does not damage the fisheries. These
people realize that any development is a compromise, but they also
recognize that the region needs power and cannot continue to buy
oil to produce it. A regional power plan was acceptable to these
people, and they believed that power lines, without roads, would
probably not harm the surrounding country.
o Those who are opposed to any hydroelectric development because they
believe it will result in a negative impact on the salmon fishery.
As one Naknek man said, "I can get along without electricity, but I
cannot get along without fish." Generall y, these people are not
concerned with transmission lines, but with the potential disrup-
tion of the salmon fishery.
It is important to note that even those who are in favor of hydro-
electric development onl y support it as long as it will not harm the fish.
One Naknek man said,
"This whole town revol ves around fish. The whole communit y caters
to fish in everything it does --water, dock development, sewage
disposal, and so forth. We do everything we can to promote fish.
Maybe people in this area are less desirous 0 f hydroelectric power
than the Iliamna area. There are not as many permit holders in the
Iliamna area, and they pay more for diesel fuel.1I
Regarding a regional power concept, residents in smaller communities
(e.g. Levelock and Igillgig) who do not favor large-scale regional power
plans believe that they will pay the costs of development while large
population centers (e.g. Naknek, King Salmon, and Dillingham) will receive
the benefits. In Naknek, another perspective emerged: With a regional
concept, the larger communities with the larger power demand end up paying
for the smaller villages with lower demands.
6-19
Many residents in this subregion were unhappy with the identification of
the Tazimina River as the only major hydroelectric site. They preferred that
other sites be equally investigated.
Some resource managers in King Salmon considered Bristol Bay the last
great salmon fishery left. Consequently, they believed that potential
fisheries impacts should greatl y outweigh other consider at ions (e. g.
engineering and cost). As one manager said,
"Alternatives to hydro (wind, geothermal) are not given enough
consideration. People who favor a large-scale hydroelectric project
do not realize the long term impacts. More facilities and more
people means increased demand on resources, which will result in a
decline in lifestyle out here."
Resource managers and other informed individuals believed that the
Bristol Bay Cooperative Management Plan should take preference over Tazimina
or other hydroelectric projects. Development projects should wait until the
recently mandated (December 2, 1980) management plan is in place. Unfortun-
ately, the Bristol Bay Regional Power Plan study will likely ,be concluded
before the management plan is implemented.
One man in Naknek was very concerned about a back-up generation system
should something happen to a regional generation and transmission system. He
was skeptical of'having only one system that generated and transmitted power
to the whole region. If something happened to the large system, he wanted to
know if the plan included a back-up. If not, he concluded that smaller
run-of-the-river plants on local creeks would be better.
As long as fisheries were unharmed, Egegik residents tended to be more
development-or iented than other communi ties. The majorit y of those inter-
viewed favored growth, jobs, increased economic opportunity, cheaper power,
and a road to Naknek.
6-20
6.4.5 Nushagak Bay Subregion
Consistent with concerns throughout the region, most people interviewed
in Dillingham questioned the merit of hundreds of kilometers of transmission
lines to serve the smaller communities, many of which declined in population
over the past decade (Table 6-1). These people believed it would be cheaper
to subsidize local diesel generation than subsidize an expensive hydro-
electric facility. Generally, residents in this subregion preferred more
local power sources as opposed to a regional power scheme.
The rural attitude of Dillingham residents is represented by one woman
who said, nPeople in Dillingham are not in favor of either development or
roads. The reason they moved out to Bristol Bay was to be in an uncivilized
place."
6.4.6 Nushagak River Subregion
Although many residents in this subregion do desire cheaper power, they
do not view electrical improvements to be as critical as people in the
Iliamna subregion. Above all, Nushagak River villagers fear potential
impacts on local fish and game. They believe that transmission lines will
tend to open up the country and increase non-local access into the area.
"Transmission lines now, trails next year, and roads the following year" is a
common feeling in this subregion. One man said,
nS ure we pay too much for electricity, but fish and game are more
important. An access road into this area would ruin it for us.
This country should be used just as it is --by the rivers and by
air only --no roads. It
New Stuyahok residents preferred a subregional or local power concept
rather than any regional plan. The larger network of transmission lines
associated with a regional power plan represented too large an incentive for
roads in the region.
6-21
Koliganek, on the other hand, preferred a local generation system only.
Koliganek residents' strong feelings against any power lines included a
feeder line from New Stuyahok under a subregional power concept. Bluntl y
put, the overwhelming majority of Koliganek residents who were interviewed
did not want any power line into their v illage even if power were 1 O~ a
kilowatt. At a community meeting in the village, one man said,
"You could promise us no road now, but in a few years, if they put
in transmission lines, they will put in roads. Look at the only
power lines in this area now: between Dillingham and Aleknagik --
there is a road; between Naknek and King Salmon there is a
road; and between Iliamna and Nondalton (proposed) --there is a
road. We can do without power."
A woman at the meeting said,
"I fear for my children with roads. There will not be anything
left for them to hunt and fish unless we protect it now. Maybe it
will be cheaper for electricity with the lines, but we will pay for
it with the loss of our lifestyle. We lived without electricity in
the past, and we can live without it again."
To these two statements, villagers present at the meeting (approximately
20) gave unanimous approval.
6-22
..'
REFERENCES
Alaska Department 0 f Labor, 1981.
overview. Juneau, Alaska.
Alaska 1980 population. A preliminary
Alaska, University of, Institute of Social, Economic and Government Research,
1973. Age and race by sex characteristic of Alaska's village popu-
lation. Alaska review of business and economic condition. College,
Alaska. 10(2).
Kramer, Chin & Mayo, Inc., 1981. Bristol Bay Borough coastal management
program. Volume 1 -resource inventory.
Kresge, D.T., S.R. Fison and A.F. Gasbarro, 1974. Bristol Bay, a socio-
economic study. Institute of Social, Economic and Government Research.
University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Langdon, S., 1981. The 1980 salmon season and Bristol Bay native fishermen:
performance and prospects. Prepared for Bristol Bay Native Association.
6-23
7.0 RECREATIONAL RESOURCES
7.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
The abundant natural resources within the Bristol Bay region, including
the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Mt. Katmai National Park and
Preserve, and the Wood-Tikchik State Park, at tract people from around the
world. Of special interest are quality fishing, hunting and wilderness
values. Recreational opportunities in the region have been defined by
Stenmark and Schader (1974) for the Federal-State Land Use Planning
Commission.
Recreational use is primarily by persons living outside the Bristol Bay
area. Local residents utilize the area extensively, but much of the activity
is more related to subsistence than recreation. The remoteness and expense
of gaining access to the area tend to limit useage by non-residents to the
more affluent tourists. Access to recreational areas is by air and/or water.
Flight services operating out of King Salmon, Iliamna and Dillingham provide
float plane access to many locations. River float trips are an increasingly
popular recreational activity that combines a wilderness experience with
fishing or hunting opportunities. Both resident Alaskans and non-residents
take advantage of these opportunities. Waterways frequently used for float
trips are shown on Plate 1.
The primary regional transportation corridors are from Bristol Bay to
Iliamna Lake via the Kvichak River for boat and barge traffic and from
Cook Inlet to Iliamna Lake via the Pile Bay road. Aerial patterns are
usually straight line routes between villages.
There are at least 28 resorts serving the Bristol Bay subregion. Most
operate from June through September and prov ide fishing or hunting c guide
service. Only a few resorts operate year-round. Guest capacities range up
to 36 guests per lodge. The resorts cater mostly to out-of-state and foreign
guests. This regional industry approaches $12 million annually. Fly fishing
is the major activity. The usual procedure for fishermen is to sleep at a
lodge facility, but travel daily via single-engine float plane to various
7-1
lakes and rivers around the region. The fly-out day trips may exceed
161 kilometers (100 miles) in some cases. Other resorts emphasize guided
float trips of 3 to 5-day duration. Some of the more popular trips include
the Alagnak River, Battle River, Koktuli River, Kaskanak River, Lower Talarik
Creek, Copper River, and Mulchatna River. Big game hunting for brown bear,
moose and caribou are seasonally important but the best areas are well
removed from the project area. Resort locations and fishing areas are shown
on Plate 1.
Tazimina Lakes are located within the boundaries of the preserve portion
of the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve established in 1980 by the
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The primary purpose of the
National Preserve designation is to preclude establishment of any additional
summer homes or cabins and yet attract increasing numbers of people seeking
temporary outdoor recreation opportunities. Park management goals encourage
such activities within the framework of maintaining wildlife and fish popu-
lations at desireable levels. Recreational activity is expected to increase
within the park in future years as the area's park status and recreational
opportunities become more widely known. The Tazimina hydroelectric project
site, however, has been withdrawn from the preserve designation and dedicated
for potential power development.
Recreation activities along the Tazimina Lakes and River emphasize sport
fishing, primarily downstream of the falls, with minor hunting activity
around the lakes. Sport fish species in the Tazimina River are primarily
rainbow trout and arctic grayling, which grow to trophy proportions. Upper
and Lower Tazimina Lakes prov ide some of the best fishing in the region for
Arctic char. However, the lakes are lightly used for recreation because of
the required air access and because of the availability of more highly prized
sport fish (rainbow trout) in nearby waters. The aesthetic value of the
falls and canyon area offers an additional recreational opportunity. Guide
serv ices bring people to the area to photograph the scenery and observe
jumping salmon. Currently, access to the lower river is provided by charter
boat from the two lodges on Sixmile Lake or by floatplane to Alexcy Lake and
Hudson's Lake and then by foot trail to Tazimina River. A crude airstrip is
located adjacent to the Tazimina canyon.
7-2
7.2 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
7.2.1 Tazimina Hydroelectric Concept
Potential detrimental impacts to fish resources resulting from altered
river flow, as described in Chapter 4.0 could have serious impact on recre-
ation values of the Tazimina River. Since trophy fishing is one of the
primary attractants, any effect on sport fish would be signi ficant. On the
other hand, flow regulation that would occur with the storage concept could
enhance boat access on the river if it eliminated extreme high and low flows.
The proposed access road would link Iliamna and Newhalen to the Tazimina
River area. Convenient vehicle access would alter use patterns and increase
use of the area by local residents. Resident users could replace visiting
fishermen and hunters to some extent. Increased use of Tazimina River fish
and game resources could decrease its rank among the significant recreation
streams in the Bristol Bay area. More rigid regulations may be required to
protect fish stocks.
7.2.2 Transmission Lines
Actual recreational use patterns by nonresidents would probably not be
greatly affected by the presence of transmission lines. However, alterations
in use patterns by resident users (primarily subsistence and sport hunters)
could represent signi ficant project impacts. Transmission line corridors
would probably be used as trails, primarily by snow machine travelers in the
winter, and thus would provide access to areas that are currently only
lightly utilized. This enhanced access could affect game populations and,
therefore, impact recreational values for area reside'nts and nonresidents
alike.
Winter construction from snow or ice roads would sharply reduce surface
disturbance and resulting visual impacts. S~ting of transmission lines away
from known high density sport fishing areas would also minimize visual
impacts. Submarine power line crossings of streams and waterbodies would
eliminate visual and aircraft safety impacts.
7-3
REFERENCES
Stenmark, R. and T. Schader, 1974. Recreation and preservation oppor-
tunities, inventory, southwest region. Resources Planning Team, Joint
Federal-State Land Use Planning Commission.
7-4
8.0 AESTHETIC RESOURCES
8.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
In the Bristol Bay subregion, the landforms and vegetation combine to
create a relatively homogeneous landscape. The rolling stretches of wet and
dry tundra are interrupted only by meandering river valleys and scattered
patterns of shrubby vegetation.
Evaluation of the visual resources of the study area is based on a
methodology of grading visual resources according to the degree of land-
scape absorption. The resource maps prepared by Stenmark and Schroder (1974)
were used as a basis for the visual analysis.
Within the study area, the river corridors and lake shores comprise the
greatest degree of visual diversity consisting of sloping shorelines, heavy
shrub thickets, and changing viewsheds. A viewshed is the total area visible
at one time.
Viewsheds from the waterbodies are confined by vegetation and
topography. So while people using the water resources may be sensitive to
the v isual intrusions of development, their v iewshed is for the most part
confined. Therefore, v iews from these rivers and lakes offer a moderate
degree of landscape absorption.
Substantial areas are categorized as primitive landscape and are char-
acterized by the absence of human habitation or use and the number of
contiguous undisturbed acres. Several areas rank as moderately primitive
landscapes and one area, !Jetween Naknek River and Egegik River, ranks as
high quality primitive landscape because of the tremendous vastness of the
undisturbed landscape. This one high quality primitive landscape is char-
acterized by consistent patterning of water bodies and tundra vegetation over
a relatively flat terrain. These areas are open and viewshe~s are in no way
confined or directed. However, primitive landscapes are relatively unused
and unv iewed by humans.
viewed from small aircafL
These vast landscapes are merely flown over and
8-1
Sightseeing opportunities were based on variety of form, line, color,
and texture. The greater the variety of these four factors, the higher the
ability of the landscape to absorb development. The vast majority of the
study area ranks low in sightseeing quality, with most valleys and lake
shores ranking moderate. The Tazimina River and Lakes and Aleknagik Lake are
the only areas that ranked high in scenic quality. Special scenic values
associated with the Tazimina River drainage include the falls and canyon
area. Guide services bring people to the area to observe the scenery and
observe jumping salmon.
8.2 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
8.2.1 Tazimina Hydroelectric Concept Visual Assessment
Facilities associated with power generation for the Tazimina alternate
include the dam, penstock, powerhouse transmission lines, and access road.
These facilities would constitute a significant intrusion into an otherwise
undisturbed area and, therefore, would detract from the pristine nature of
the area. Visual disturbance would be greatest when viewed from the air and
from the perspective of persons travelling on foot in the immediate vicinity
of the facilities. Facilities would not be visible from most of the lower
Tazimina River (below the falls); therefore, impacts resulting from
wilderness intrusion would probably not be significant from the standpoint of
recreationists on the most heavily used portion of the river.
The Tazimina hydroelectric generation facilities would present signifi-
cant intrusion when viewed from the air. Fortunately, the visual diversity
of the Tazimina area could absorb the impacts or confine the visual intru-
sion to a smaller area. The reservoir created by the storage concept would
appear as a natural body of water except during times of the year when the
water level is low. The shoreline exposed during draw down would create an
adverse visual impact.
There are several methods to reduce or confine visual impacts. Use of
dull natural brown finish on the structures would help blend these masses
with the landscape. Recontouring the disturbed site to natural contours
8-2
...
would help fit the structure to the landscape. Revegetation with native
grasses would help reduce soil erosion. Such methods would reduce visual
impacts for v iews from boats and small aircra ft •
8.2.2 Transmission Lines
The transmission line net work, would represent a signi ficant int rusion
into a wild area. Visual impacts would be greatest from the air and would
affect a large area. Transmission line stream crossings would be highly
visible to river travellers. In general, visitor appeal will probably
diminish as a result of these intrusions.
The primary mode of transportation in the region is by small aircraft
and above ground power lines could be a signi ficant safety hazard for small
planes, especially during poor weather. Large rivers such as the Kvichak,
are used by all local pilots for line of sight navigation. Elevated power
lines over larger rivers are strongly opposed by local residents.
The proposed power line network would consist of wooden poles that would
be easily absorbed by the majority of the landscape. The linear quality of
the power line alignment would be the major visual intrusion.
Considering that a major characteristic of the primitive landscape is
the number of contiguous, undisturbed acres, the only solution to minimizing
impacts is by locating the power line out of popular flight patterns and at
the outside edge of the primitive zone. Then the visual quality of the
primitive landscape would be least impacted.
Power lines crossing rivers should avoid popular fishing areas and
clear-cutting of shoreline vegetation should be avoided. When traversing
flat lands, the power line should avoid crossing ponds and follow the darkest
soil and vegetation patterns. Popular air traffic routes should be avoided
by power line development.
8-3
REFERENCES
Stenmark, R. and T. Schoder, 1974. Recreation and preservation
opportunities, inventory, southwest region. Resources Planning Team,
Joint Federal-State Land Use Planning Commission.
8-4
9.0 LAND USE
9.1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this chapter is to identify potential land use and
assocaited conflicts related to the proposed Tazimina hydroelectric project
and other selected alternative plans. The research and writing for this
section was performed in conjuction with that for Chapter 6.0 of this report.
The same subregional classification related to methodology and study area,
see Section 6.1 of this report.
9.2 LAND USE CONCERNS
9.2.1 General
Although the principal economic base of the Bristol Bay region is
commercial fishing, many local residents, especially in the smaller, more
isolated villages, also depend on the harvest of natural resources for food.
In many respects, subsistence harvests of natural resources and commercial
fishing compliment each other. For example, the short seasonality of commer-
cial fishing allows villagers adequate time to subsistence hunt and fish, as
well as trap. In some cases, such as New Stuyahok, most villagers move down
river to fish camps in the summer, and, while men drift commercial fish in
the bay, the women subsistence fish with set nets. Commercial fishing also
provides the income necessary for villagers to purchase boats, motors, snow
machines, and other supplies used in subsistence harvests. If a fisherman or
a village has had a particularly poor fishing season, the reliance on locally
harvested fish and wildlife may increase. In addition, cultural preferences
further enhance Bristol Bay residents' desire to hunt, fish, trap, and
gather local natural resources. Although the harvest of these resources is
important to residents in the entire study area, the dependence and intensity
of subsistence pursuits is especially apparent in the smaller, more isolated
communities such as Levelock, Igiugig, New Stuyahok, Koliganek, Ekwok,
Manokotak, and Nondalton.
9-1
In summary, because a high percentage of residents in each of the
study communities rely on the Bristol Bay commercial salmon fishery for
the majority of their yearly income, and because subsistence fishing has
cultural, nutritional, and economic importance throughout the region, the
majority of all residents interviewed were primaril y concerned about any
negative effects the various hydroelectric projects might have on salmon and
other fisheries. Also, because the predominant land use in the study area is
local hunting and fishing, a related concern that was most apparent in the
more isolated villages, centered around potential conflicts between these
existing land use patterns and any possible influx of people or increased
access caused by energy development.
9.2.2 Iliamna Subregion
Related to potential resource use conflicts caused by the Tazimina
Project, local Iliamna area residents' views are generally represented by two
opposing perspectives:
o Sport hunting and fishing lodge owners who perceive that without
adequate regulations that would reduce the bag limits, local
rainbow stocks in the Tazimina River would be depleted if an access
road were constructed. Air charter serv ices in Iliamna reported
that they fly sport fishermen to Alexcy Lake, who then walk to the
Tazimina River. In addition, two sport fishing lodges on Sixmile
Lake use river boats to transport clients to the river to catch
trophy rainbow as well as red salmon. Generally, lodge owners who
use this river practice a hook and release policy, and only allow
their clients to keep one trophy rainbow. These businessmen
believe that a road from Iliamna to the project would greatly
increase public access to this river, and, without strict bag
limits, would likely reduce the quality of fishing. Depending on
the season, sport fishermen (who may number 15 to 30 per day in
summer) report they use the Tazimina River from its mouth at
Sixmile Lake to the falls. They harvest all available species
(trout, grayling, and red salmon). In addition, lodge owners point
9-2
...
out that reduced flow in the river could affect their river boat
access as well as impact side channel spawning of red salmon.
o Long-time, primarily Native residents who explain that there is
little game left in the immediate area due to too many hunters,
especially non-local sport hunters. Consequently, they believe a
hydroelectric project and related power line will not hurt the area
anymore than sport hunters and fishermen already have. Al though
these people make high use of local red salmon for subsistence,
they are not concerned wi th the fate of the trophy rainbow.
Because of the high cost of fuel and associated independent elec-
trical generation, and because they do not perceive that the
project will have any negative affect on the red salmon runs, the
local Natives in all three communities are overwhelmingly in favor
of the Tazimina Project. As one local Eskimo resident explained,
It I see no problem with land or water use because we all
know that this electrical project will benefit everybody
more than what we use the nearby land now. A dam will
not hurt us because no salmon spawn above the falls, and
a centralized electrical system will make living around
here a lot easier. Those people who operate their own
generators will not oppose power lines. Cheaper, easier
electricity will be one of the best things that happened
around here."
In summary, except for certain sport fishing lodge owners, residents of
Iliamna, Newhalen, and Nondalton generally believe that the location of a
hydroelectric facility on the Tazimina River is where it will not bother
anything. Because most local Iliamna and Newhalen residents primarily use
the area west of the Newhalen River for hunting and trapping, they did not
identi fy conflicts between the Tazimina Project and present land uses in the"
immediate area. Although some Nondalton residents catch subsistence red
salmon in the Tazimina River, based on available biological information, they
do not perceive any conflict with the project and this resource.
9-3
Although Nondalton residents did not believe that the operation of the
Tazimina Project would necessarily conflict with present salmon stocks or
village land use patterns, they were very concerned about policies related to
the project road. Because this Tanaina village is located very close to the
proposed project, the majority of residents interv iewed favored a limited
access road to the site so tourist traffic would be kept to a minimum.
Additionally, they opposed any roads along the transmission lines.
Nondalton residents utilize the upper part of the Newhalen River for
subsistence salmon fishing. Numerous fishcamps are scattered from the outlet
at Sixmile Lake for several miles downstream. In addition, two Nondal ton
residents have Native allotment claims on the upper end of Lower Tazimina
Lake. Preliminary ev idence shows that these allotments will be inundated
with water if a dam is constructed at the lower end of the lake.
All of the Nondalton residents who were interviewed opposed the
Kontrashibuna Lake hydroelectric proposal because they identified Tanalian
Point as a local subsistence fishing area, and they did not want this
activity affected. In addition, many people also mentioned that they hunt in
this area.
9.2.3 Kvichak River Subregion
Related to hydroelectric development in the general Iliamna area,
residents were concerned about the potential need for deep draft vessels in
the Kvichak River and their potential effect on salmon.
Igiugig and Levelock residents were very concerned about the proposed
Kukaklek Lake hydroelectric plan. They stressed that both Kukaklek and
Nonvianuk Lakes as well as the Alagnak (Branch) River are important spawning
grounds. As one resident exclaimed, "That lake is our hatchery." Addition-
ally, residents in both villages identified the area around Kukaklek Lake
and the Alagnak River as important for subsistence fishing, hunting, and
trapping.
9-4
That both communities have strong ties to the Alagnak River and Kukaklek
Lake is apparent from migration patterns in this subregion. A number of
Igiugig people said they were born at an old village site on the west end of
Kukaklek Lake. Others, as well as some Levelock residents, were born at an
old village on the lower Alagnak River. Although it was difficult to deter-
mine how often they use it, Igiugig residents identified an old fish camp at
the east end of Kukaklek Lake near Narrow Cove. Local people have Native
allotment claims and cabins near both of the abandoned village sites as well
as other locations along the Alagnak River. When asked why they moved into
the two villages, most people mentioned the availability of schools.
Villagers in Levelock indicated that many Native allotment claims along
the Alagnak River may not be on BLM records because many applications were
lost in the mail.
Present use of the Alagnak River occurs primarily in the summer, fall
and winter. For example, in late summer, after commercial fishing season and
when the water is high enough to travel, Igiugig and Levelock residents
report that they. take skiffs up this river to hunt, fish, and pick berries.
During this season, the trip is often a family outing. In winter, the
Alagnak River is an important trapping area for both Igiugig and Levelock.
Major concerns Igiugig and Levelock residents have with the Kukaklek
Lake proposal include:
o Because they use the Alagnak River for hunting, fishing, and
trapping, residents were concerned that the Kukaklek project would
di vert too much water to Lake Iliamna and consequent ly the water
level in the Alagnak River. They feared this would impact both
fish stocks as 'well as their travel on the river. As one local
trapper said,
"The Branch River is already too low without taking
anymore water out of it. We already hit bottom in the
fall. When the water is low, you cannot come out with a
boat loaded with moose meat. The Branch is a braided
river with lots of channels and islands. In some places
there is only 6 to 8 inches of water. Even a 2-inch drop
in water level will affect our access. II
9-5
o In addition to the effect lower water in the river would have on
fish, residents were also concerned about fingerlings and other
small fish being sucked into the penstock in Kukaklek Lake. They
feared the lake would lose many fingerlings to Iliamna Lake, and
these fish would then be unable to find their way back to either
system to spawn. They also questioned the possibility of disease
being transmitted between lake systems. Without healthy fish
populations, residents expressed concern for the future of the
younger generation.
o People in Igiugig wondered what would keep both ends of the pen-
stock from freezing.
o If too much water were diverted from Kukaklek Lake to Iliamna Lake,
Igiugig residents feared it may flood their village, especially
during east winds which cause the water level to rise.
o Residents pointed out that 10 years ago they had 5 to 10 feet of
snow. Now.they only receive 2 feet. They concluded that long-term
climate and water flow data was necessary before these projects
should proceed.
Related to areas not presently used by villagers, Levelock residents
expressed a desire to keep their options open in case they wanted to harvest
resources there in the future. This illustrates how subsistence patterns are
flexible and may change from year to year related to variation in fish stocks
and game populations. As either local or non-local hunting pressure affects
game populations in one area, game may rebuild in areas where it was
prev iously hunted out. Local subsistence hunters are aware of this and are
especially anxious to protect habitat not accessible by aircraft. The series
of creeks northeast of Levelock is such a place.
Igiugig residents said the small-scale Kukaklek scheme (water diversion
from Kukaklek Lake to a small lake nearby) would likely cause water to spill
over into the surrounding lowlands. They were concerned that this would
conflict with local trapping in the area.
9-6
...
..
..,
9.2.4 Kvichak-Egegik Bay Subregion
People from Naknek, South Naknek, and King Salmon hunt caribou primarily
between the Naknek and King Salmon Rivers and are therefore concerned about
any potential impact in this area. Local residents do little hunting in the
area immediately northeast of Naknek. Egegik residents hunt in the general
vicinity of their community, and some residents expressed concern about power
lines crossing the Egegik River. Because Naknek, South Naknek, King Salmon,
and Egegik land use patterns related to the Bristol Bay Regional Power Plan
are related primarily to the location of transmission lines, they are dis-
cussed there.
Related to the proposed Kukaklek Lake hydroelectric plan, resource
managers in King Salmon had the following concerns:
o Because the Alagnak River is classified as a Wild and Scenic River,
it may take a Congressional Act for this project.
a A reduced flow in the. Alagnak River may cause damage to salmon.
a A reduced flow in the Alagnak River may have an impact on recrea-
tion in the area. Currently, many sport fishermen and other
recreationists float from Nonv ianuk Lake down the Alagnak River.
Related to the proposed Tazimina Lake hydroelectric plan, resource
managers in King Salmon had the following concerns:
a Concern for the effect of dewatering downstream side channels in
the Tazimina River during the salmon spawning season when impound-
ing water behind the dam.
a Fluctuations in water level will affect all organisms in the river,
including fish food items. The Tazimina River is a rearing habitat
for fish.
9-7
o Withholding water will decrease the river's ability to flush itself
out.
o A low water year in the Tazimina drainage could coincide with a
I arge salmon run. Impound ing water in the summer could result in
inadequate water for salmon spawning.
o At least one cycle of salmon (5 years in the Tazimina River) should
be studied in order to insure a minimal impact on salmon.
9.2.5 Nushagak Bay Subregion
Because most of the proposed hydroelectric facilities are located out of
this subregion, transmission lines represent the major area where the project
may conflict with local land use. The Chikuminuk Lake site is located beyond
local, high subsistence use areas. If this site is feasible, additional data
related to transmission lines and residents' land use in both the Nushagak
Bay and Nushagak River Subregions will be necessary.
9.2.6 Nushagak.River Subregion
Because residents in this relatiyel y isolated subregion depend on the
harvest of local natural resources, they are concerned about anything that
may affect current land use patterns. Related to energy development,
increased access and potential roads along transmission line corridors
presented the largest threat.
9.3 TRANSMISSION LINES
9.3.1 General
Residents in the entire study area are very concerned about the possi-
bility of any access roads along electrical transmission lines. With a few
exceptions (e.g. some residents of Egegik), the overwhelming majority of
9-8
those people interviewed were adamantly opposed to any increased access to or
within the Bristol Bay region. The message was loud and clear: No roads
along the transmission lines regardless of the routes chosen.
Study communit y residents were not in agreement whether transmission
lines, without access roads, would affect existing land use patterns, hunting
and trapping areas, or wildlife populations. It was difficult to determine a
trend in the differing opinions. Some residents simply believed that trans-
mission lines, as long as they were not accompanied by roads, would not
disrupt either existing wildlife populations or hunting and trapping prac-
tices. On the contrary, others believed strongly that because there are no
roads in the area, wherever transmission lines are built, hunting and trap-
ping pressure would be funneled to that area. Consequently, those people
believed that a network of transmission lines would change present resource
use, change the way people move within the region, would concentrate hunting
and trapping pressure along these corridors, and would likely ruin critical
wildlife habitat.
Bristol Bay residents identified a potentia). problem with power lines
and small aircraft traffic, especially in the summer months when many
non-local recreationists frequent the region for sport fishing and hunting.
Often, during poor weather, small aircraft fly very close to the ground. It
is possible to avoid some of the potential conflict between low-flying
aircraft and power lines by line placement away from high use air corridors.
Aircraft in the Iliamna Lake area often. follow the shoreline of the lake
between Iguigig and Iliamna, therefore if the transmission lines are kept
inland from the lake the con flict is mitigated. Between South Naknek and
Egegik, aircraft often fly along the coast.
9.3.2 Iliamna Subregion
Local residents generally preferred that transmission lines were routed
and/or camouflaged so they do not detract from the visual enjoyment of the
area. Numerous sport fishing lodges in the Lake Iliamna area utilize the
Newhalen River, as well as Upper and Lower Talarik Creeks and nearby lakes
9-9
for hunting and fishing. These lodges generally sell high quality,
wilderness trophy hunting and fishing experiences, which may not be compat-
ible with nearby power lines. Consequently, some of the businessmen who
cater to non-resident recreationists preferred the lines to be situated
further north, and to be hidden wherever possible.
In addition, many local residents identified the area around Upper and
Lower Talarik Creeks and the surrounding small lakes as a high use area for
local hunting and trapping efforts. Many residents use Lake Iliamna as a
transportation route (boat in summer and snow machine in winter) to this area
west of 11 iamna/Newhalen and go inland to hunt and trap both the coastline
and inland area north 0 f the lake. Consequentl y, these people expressed a
concern that any transmission lines going west from the Tazimina site be kept
away from the lake and be located more towards the mountains north of Lake
Iliamna.
9.3.3 Kvichak River Subregion
Igiugig and Levelock residents unanimously opposed any roads along the
transmission lines.
Related to a main transmission line coming from the Tazimina site,
Igiugig residents unanimously favored that this main line be located along
the proposed alternative that is furthest from both Lake Iliamna and their
village, with only a small feeder line extending into the community. Resi-
dents hunt caribou and moose along the shoreline (by boat in summer/fall and
snow machine in winter). In this area, they identified Kaskanak Creek as an
important hunting and trapping area.
Related to the substation located near Levelock, both Igiugig and
Levelock residents believed it was situated too close to Yellow Creek (mis-
named on the U.S.G.S. map), a local hunting and trapping area. Upriver from
Levelock, there are a series of small creeks (Levelock, Charlie Jensen,
Tommy, Grants, and Yellow Creeks) that support locally utilized game popu-
lations. Igiugig and Levelock residents have cabins and Nat! ve allotment
9-10
.. '
...
claims in this area that they use for subsistence hunting and trapping.
Generally, residents indicated that transmission lines and substations should
avoid creeks wherever possible.
Levelock residents expressed concern that the main transmission line
should be located 16 to 19 kilometers (10 to 12 miles) from the village,
beyond easy access to kids who travel .on snow machines. Residents also were
worried that power line breakages during dry summers may cause fires.
Levelock residents indicated that a desirable place to cross the Kvichak
River with a powerline was on the State lands between Levelock and Igiugig
village corporation lands.
9.3.4 Kvichak-Egegik Bay Suqregion
Related to transmission lines, residents in this subregion were asked to
comment on routes between the Levelock area, Naknek, and Egegik. Generally,
the proposed routes between Naknek and the Levelock area appeared satis-
factory to residents interviewed in the Bristol Bay Borough. The tundra area
northeast of Naknek to the Alagnak River apparently supports few moose and
caribou and is not heavily hunted by local residents. Consequently, borough
residents has relatively little concern about transmission lines location in
this area.
Residents in Naknek, South Naknek, and King Salmon preferred the coastal
route between South Naknek and Egegik because:
o The inland route may disturb the caribou migration.
o The coastal route has the potential to provide power to the numer-
ous set net cabins along the coast below South l\Jaknek.
o In the future, more and more people will likel y live along the
beach.
9-11
The only concern local residents expressed related to the coastal route
was potential erosion, which would require the power poles to be placed
inland from the beach.
Although either the inland or coastal route could have deleterious
effects on wildlife, resource managers in King Salmon preferred the coastal
route between Naknek and Egegik. Their reasons included:
a Because in inland area between the King Salmon and Naknek Rivers is
the wintering area for caribou, it would be undesirable, from a
biological standpoint, to provide additional overland vehicular
access in this area.
o There is already a trail along the beach.
o Eventually a road may be constructed along the transmission line,
and from a wildl He perspecti ve, it is better along the coast.
Although residents in Naknek, South Naknek, and King Salmon were not in
favor of any roads along the transmission lines, people interviewed did
believe that the transmission lines should be located where a future road may
be built. If a road were built (for any reason) between the Naknek area and
Egegik, most people interviewed preferred the coastal route.
Egegik residents were split on transmission line locations as well as
road construction. Some people preferred to locate the line on the coast in
order to sell power to set net cabins. I f it is not feasible to sell to
these seasonal users, then the inland route was better because it was short
and therefore cheaper. These people were not concerned with the impact a
road would have on caribou because they believed there were plenty of them.
Consequently, a road to Naknek was acceptable, as long as it did not extend
to Anchorage or Dillingham. Other Egegik residents were not necessarily
concerned about which transmission line corridor was selected as long as no
road accompanied it.
9-12
."
'"
Many residents in this subregion expressed concern about ice build up on
the power lines which would result in breakage.
9.3.5 Nushagak Ba~ Subregion
One area Dillingham resource managers specifically identified related to
the possible effect transmission lines may have on land use patterns is along
the main transmission corridor where it crosses the Nushagak River. Persons
interviewed were presented with two alternatives related to this crossing:
one route approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) north of Portage Creek where
the river is split into two main channels (Keefer Cutoff) and another route
further north where the Nushagak has only one channel. This more northerly
route also causes the power lines to cross the Iowithla River further west.
Because the Iowithla drainage supports a healthy winter moose population,
local resource managers expressed concern that a power line crossing this
river would encourage winter moose hunting. Most of the surrounding area is
open tundra, which is relatively easy for cross-country travel by snow
machine or dog sled.. If the transmission corridors became winter trails,
hunting pressure in these areas would likely increase. Consequently, those
who wish to restrict access to the Iowithla River favor a transmission
corridor crossing the Nushagak River south of the confluence of these two
rivers. The majority of Nushagak village residents, on the other hand,
preferred the power lines, if built, to cross the Nushagak further north
where there is only one channel.
Dillingham residents suggested that the transmission line west of the
Aleknagik road should follow along an existing easement and road extending
west into the State land disposal area in T. 12 5., R. 56 W., S.M. The
proposed route is through this township, but it is north of the access road
into the land disposal area.
Related to the Nushagak River crossing at Portage Creek, local residents
were concerned that the line be kept high enough to facilitate the heavy
summer boat and barge traffic on the river. In addition, they suggested that
the line cross the Nushagak River where there is only one channel.
9-13
According to Portage Creek residents, the location of the power line
north of their village should remain on the west side of the Nushagak River.
Residents reported that they do not hunt much in this open, flat country
north of Portage Creek. They generally hunt on the east side of the Nushagak
River. Also, related to hunting practices, people preferred that the trans-
mission lines be kept out of the wooded areas near the rivers and streams.
A favorable route for the transmission line east of Clark's Point would
be along an old dog team trail that extended due east of Clark's Point for
approximatel y 29 kilometers (18 miles). Clark's Point has apparentl y pro-
vided for a snow machine easement along this trail, and therefore a power
line that parallels this easement (with no road) would likely receive the
least resistance.
A potential problem with the transmission line corridor from Clark's
Point to Ekuk may be the numerous Native allotments which span nearly the
entire area.
9.3.6 Nushagak River Subregion
Nushagak River villagers' general reaction to a Bristol Bay regional
power plan centered on the hundreds of kilometers of transmission lines that
span the region. In general, their response was one of amazement and dis-
belief. One v ill age leader caught the common feeling when he said, "That is
crazy. There are too many lines throughout hunting areas." Although most
people did not really know what transmission lines would do to impact local
harvest activities, the general opinion was that the lines would do nothing
to enhance hunting, trapping, and fishing opportunities for local people. In
fact, the lines represented the first step towards roads in the area
something no villager desired.
Specific comments related to transmission lines in this subregion
include:
9-14
...
o Because local residents from all three Nushagak River villages
hunt, fish and trap the area between the Wood-Tikchik Lake systems
and the Nushagak River, they were concerned about the location of
any transmission 1 ines from the west (e. g. or iginat ing at
Chikuminuk Lake). Specific local use areas include the Nuyakuk
River into Tikchik and Nuyakuk Lakes, Klutuk Creek and beyond Kemuk
Mountain, and the Kokwok River. In addition, local residents hunt
caribou between the Nushagak and Kvichak Rivers.
o If a transmission line is constructed between Portage Creek and
Ekwok, local people desired it to be placed up on the open, flat
tundra, well away from the Nushagak River. They continually
emphasized how the rivers and creeks prov ided good game habitat.
o
o
Related to the main transmission line crossing the Nushagak River,
most Nushagak villagers preferred it to cross where there was only
one channel (e.g. north of Keefer Cutoff).
If a line connects New Stuyahok and Ekwok, New Stuyahok residents
suggested that it follow the winter trail between the two villages.
(In future public meetings, Ekwok residents should be questioned
related to this route.)
o Villagers expressed concern that winds would break the lines and
start fires in the dry season. They were also concerned that wet
snow and ice would build up on the lines and break them.
o New Stuyahok residents were susceptible to the zone concept (e.g.
electrical generation at New Stuyahok with feeder lines to Ekwok
and Koliganek) as long as there were no impacts to fish and game.
If the lines were put in during the winter, no road would be
necessary, and local villagers expressed an interest in employment
on the project. New Stuyahok residents considered this zone
concept because it had no connection to the larger population
center of Dillingham.
9-15
o Koliganek residents unanimously opposed any transmission lines
regardless of location.
9-16
-
10.0 AIR QUALITY
10.1 CLIMATOLOGY
(
The climate of inland portions of the Bristol Bay basin, including
the area encompassing the proposed Tazimina project site, is dominated by
continental climatic conditions (Searby 1965). It is characterized by
relatively warm summers, cold winters, and lesser amounts of precipitation
than found in the coast maritime zone. Surface winds are generally light.
The nearest stations where long-term climatological data are available
fnclude Iliamna, Port Alsworth, and Intricate Bay, all within 48 kilometers
00 miles) of the project site. Based on 29-years data taken from Iliamna
(approximated 32 kilometers [20 miles] southwest of the project site), mean
temperatures range between 3°C and 17°C OSoF and 62°F) in the summer, and
between _14°C and -SaC O°F and 1S°F) in the winter. The extreme maximum
and minimum temperatures recorded were 33°C and _44°C (91°F and -47°F) ,
respectively. Annual precipitation amounts to 66 centimeters (26 inches).
Prevailing winds are from east-southeast with an average wind speed of 10
miles per hour (Selkregg, no date).
Seasons are well defined in the project site area, with winter extending
from mid-October to mid-April, and being characterized by cloudy mild weather
alternating with clear cold weather. The Alaska Mountain Range lies in a
long arc from the southwest, through northwest, to northeast, approximately
64 kilometers (40 miles) distant from the proposed project site. During the
winter, this range is an effective barrier to the influx of very cold air
from the north side 0 f the range. Extreme cold winter weather, associated
with a high pressure system over interior Alaska, may lead to a succession of
clear days in the proposed project site area, with temperatures dropping to
_40°C (-40°F) or below, as contrasted to the _46°C (-50°F) and even _51°C
(_60°F) readings in the interior. Normally the annual snow fall in Iliamna
amounts to 163 centimeters (64 inches) (Selkregg, no date).
Spring occurs from mid-April to June and during this period ice break-up
occurs on the major streams. The season is characterized by warm pleasant
days and chilly nights with little precipitation.
10-1
Summer occurs between June and early September with the latter half
of the season accounting for approximately 50 percent of the annual precipi-
tation.
Autumn is brief, beginning shortly after mid-September and lasting until
mid-October. The frequency of cloudy days and precipitation drops sharply in
early October. Measurable amounts of snow are rare in September, but sub-
stantial snowfalls sometimes reaching 25 centimeters (10 inches) occasionally
occur in mid-October. Some of the stronger southerly winds, a few with
damaging effects, occur in the late summer or fall; these are post-frontal
winds following the movement of a storm from the southern Bering Sea or
Bristol Bay, northeastward across the Alaska interior.
10.2 EXISTING AIR QUALITY CONDITIONS
There are no ambient air quality monitoring data available in the
proposed project site area. However, the area is considered to be pristine
air and for the purpose of impact assessment the following assumed background
concentration values (EPA 1978) can be applied to the project site area:
S02 20pg/m 3
CO 1 ppm
NOZ 0.01 ppm
TSP 30-40 pg/m3
10.3 AIR QUALITY IMPACT
The proposed project would have minor impacts on air quality during the
construction stage. Construction impacts would consist of relatively small
amount of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons;
particulate matter emitted from gasoline and diesel-powered engines of heavy
construction equipment required for site preparation; and fugitive dust
resulting from land clearing and unpaved roads. Other than an occasional
temporary impact in areas adj acent to the construction site, ambient air
quality outside the site boundary is not expected to be significantly
affected by gaseous emissions from construction equipment.
10-2
..,.
During construction, fugitive dust emissions occasionally may cause
slight to signi ficant impact. Ground excavation and various land movement
operations would cause this increase. The degree of construction-caused
impacts would depend on day-to-day weather and the intensity of construction
activities. Various control techniques would be implemented as necessary to
meet State criteria, which specify that reasonable precautions must be taken
to prevent particular matter from becoming airborne.
Due to the nature of the proposed project, no significant impact on air
quality is expected during the operation stage.
10-3
Searby, H.W., 1968.
Services, ESSA.
REFERENCES
Climates of the states: Alaska. Environmental Data
Climatolog y 0 f the United States No. 60-49.
Selkregg, L.L., editor, Alaska regional profiles, Volume III: southwest
region. University of Alaska, Arctic Environmental Information and Data
Center.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1978. Ambient monitoring guidelines
for prevention of significant deterioration (PSD). Office of Air
Quality Planning and Standards.
10-4
APPENDIX A
VEGETATION OF THE LOWER TAZIMINA RIVER AREA
by
David Erikson
and
Loren Hettinger
Dames & Moore
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 METHODS.
3.0 RESULTS.
3.1 Forests.
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.2 Tundra
Open Coniferous Forest •
Coniferous Woodlands •
Closed Deciduous Forest
Open Mixed Forests •
3.3 Shrublands
3.3.1
3.3.2
Closed Tall Shrubland
Open Low Shrublands
3.4 Herbaceous Vegetation
4.0 DISCUSSION
S.O REFERENCES
.
A-1
A-1
A-S
A-S
A-S
A-S
A-7
A-7
A-11
A-11
A-11
A-14
A-18
A-21
A-24
1.0 INTRODUCTION
A field investigation of vegetation types in the vicinity of Lower
Tazimina Lake (R30, 31W, T1, 2S; 60 o N, 154°45'E) was conducted between August
13 and 19, 1981. The objectives of this investigation were to identify, map
and describe the vegetation types that delineate the various habitats of the
area.
2.0 METHODS
Major vegetation types were initially identified using color infrared
aerial photography (1 :16,250 blowups). These units were then inspected by
aerial and ground reconnaissance and entities were revised as necessary so
that the total range of habitats in the area were represented. The agglomer-
ative hierarchical classi fication system of Vierick and Dyrness (1980) was
used to classify the vegetation. The various vegetation categories are
listed in Table 1. Distribution of vegetation types within the study area
are given in Figures 1 and 2.
Representative stands of each type were quantitatively sampled using a
100-meter (328-foot) baseline and 10 O.25-square meter quadrates for percent
cover estimates. A wandering quarter technique was used to assess tree
height and,diameter. In addition, observations were made regarding physical
characteristics of the site including landform, topography, moisture regime,
evidence of disturbance, type and amount of ground cover, and occular
estimate of vegetation cover by strata. Observations were made on the
floristic composition and distribution of alpine and subalpine vegetation
although impact on these areas would be remote.
Field sampling information served as the primary means to map
vegetation/habitat types and to describe their structural and floristic
composition. A total of 16 sites were sampled within the study period.
Species nomenclature follows Viereck and Little (1972) for trees and shrubs
and Hulten (1968) for herbaceous species. Community type nomenclature is
proposed, although it should be recognized as preliminary or tentative since
the amount of stand data are limited.
A-1
---------~-Primary
Forest
(canopy cover >10%)
Tundra
Shrublands
Herbaceous
TABLE 1
Vegetation Classes and Component Community Types
(Preliminary) of the Lower Tazimina River Area
(Classes follow Vierick and Dyrness, 1980)
LEVELS
--------~~------------------------Secondary
Coniferous
Deciduous
Mixed
Mat &: Cushion
Tall Shrublands
Low Shrub land
Herbaceous
Sedge-grass
Tiertiary
Open Coniferous Forest
Coniferous Woodland
Closed Deciduous Forest
Open Mixed Coniferous-
Deciduous Forest
Open Mat Cushion
Mixed Shrub Tundra
Closed Tall Shrublands
Birch and Ericaceous
Shrubland
Wet Sedge-grass
, , ~ , , • I
Communit y Type
Picea glauca/Salix spp.SphaQnum spp.
Picea mariana/Ledum decumbens/lichens
P. mariana/Betula nana!lichens .... -------
B~tula papyrifera/CalamaQrostis
canadensis !feathermoss
Picea Qlauca-Populus balsam~fera/
CalamaQrostis canadensis
P. glauca-Befula pap rifera/
Vacclnlum vitis-idaea ~ylocomium
selendens
Dryas octapetal,a
Salix spp./Aretostaphylos rubra-
Dryas octape£ala
,?alix alaxensis/Cal~magrotis
canadensislfeathermoss
Ala~us sinuata:SaIix pulchra/Spiraea
Beauverdiana!Calamagrostic canadensis
Betula nana-Empetrum nigrum/lichen
Salix f~scens/Earex kelloggii!
SehaQnum spp.
Myrica Qale-Potentilla fruticosa/
Carex magellanica irrigua!lichen ,
Carex kellogQii-C. macrochaeta/moss
~arex aquatialis f. rostra~us
,
k -~-
I
VI
heathIIidMD
o
o
() o
o
j
VI
heath!lichen
I
I
I
I
,---~ ,
'1
,/
I VI
/ heath!
I Erl ..
I
LEVEl ONE
FOREST
TUNDRA
SHRUBLAND
HERBACEOUS
LEVEL TWO
I • CONIFEROUS
II • DECIDUOUS
III -MIXED DECIDUOUS
& CONIFEROUS
IV -MAT CUSHION!
SHRUB TUNDRA
V • TALL SHRUB
VI -LOW SHRUB
VII -HERBACEOUS
SEDGE-GRASS
R -RIPARIAN HABITAT
(J
I
Pimallicheu
;i~
I ? /' \
(7
m-R
, PIIIJ!Popa/Salla
';'" '--'-./ ---{ ,
I / \ ,
I
Plmalllcha
m
Pigl/Beplo
VI _~---
heathlErl.o ~-1::..------
4"''''-q-'/ ,J ,-~ll \0} ~
I
Pimailichen
LEVEL ONE
FOREST
TUNDRA
SHRUBLAND
HERBACEOUS
LEVEL TWO
I -CONiFEROUS
Ii -DECIDUOUS
iii -MIXED DECIDUOUS
& CONiFEROUS
IV -MAT CUSHION f
SHRUB TUNDRA
V -TALL SHRUB
Vi -LOW SHRUB
Vii -HERBACEOUS
SEDGE-GRASS
R -RiPARIAN HABiTAT
Dames & Moore Fi-gure A-2
3.0 RESULTS
A rather typical boreal forest vegetation was found throughout the study
area with white spruce/paper birch forest and woodland types, black spruce
muskegs and bogs and deciduous forest. Four basic formations were identi-
fied from field investigation; forest, tundra, shrublands, and herbaceous
vegetation.
3.1 FORESTS
Forest types were categorized according to the dominant overstory
species (i.e., coniferous, deciduous or mixed) and the degree of crown cover
(Le., closed [60-100 percent], open [25-60 percent], or woodland [10-25
percent]).
3.1.1 Open Coniferous Forest
Open coniferous forests comprise only a minor part of the total vegeta-
tion, occurring as open white spruce (Picea glauca) forest on alluvium. This
vegetation characteristically contains a prominent shrub understory of willow
(Salix spp.). The herbaceous component contains a variety of species
(Calamagrostis canadensis, Stellaria spp., Carex spp.), although dwarf
shrubs, including nagoonberry (Rubus arcticus), bog blueberry (Vaccinium
uliginosum) and lingonberry (~ vitis-idaea), are more prominent. However,
the understory is characterized by a thick moss carpet mainly of sphagnum.
Community type and species cover percentage by stratum is presented in
Table 2.
3.1.2 Coniferous Woodlands
Coniferous woodlands exhibiting a prominent heath and lichen under-
story are common on silty upland knolls, especially those with northern
exposures, and are the major forest type along Lower Tazimina Lake. Black
spruce (Picea mariana) is the principal tree species, although white spruce
is as soc iated with slight! y better drainage, and some integration of both
A-5
TABLE 2
Species and Percent Cover for the
Picea glauca/Salix spp./Sphagnum spp. Community
STRATUM AND SPECIES
TREES
Picea glauca
TALL SHRUB (>2m)
Salix spp.
LOW SHRUB (30 cm-2m)
Spirea beauverdiana
Potentilla fruticosa
Betula nana
STRATUM AND SPECIES
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB
Vaccinium uliginosum
V. v His-idaea
Rubus arcticus
Empetrum nigrum
Equisetum arvense
Carex rostrata
Calamagrostis canadensis
Stellaria spp.
BRYOPHYTE AND LICHEN
Sphagnum spp.
Barbilophozia spp.
EXTRALIMITALS (Present in stand,
but not in quadrats)
Swertia spp.
Potenilla palustris
Sanguisorba stipulata
Pyrola asarifolia
Viola spp.
A-6
MEAN PERCENT COVER
25
60
1
2
1
20
1
5
2
2
2
1
1
65
2
"'.
...
,.
species was observed. Most trees were around 3 meters (10 feet) tall and 5
to 6 centimeters (1.9 to 2.4 inches) diameter at breast height (dbh) although
some trees 11 meters (36 feet) tall and 28 centimeters (11 inches) dbh were
observed.
Two communities were recognized within the coni ferous woodland
vegetation (Table 1); one having dwarf arctic birch (Betula nana) as the
main understory shrub, the other containing mainly narrow-leaf Labrador tea
(Ledum decumbens). Both communities are characterized by a dense lichen
ground cover. Species and percent cover for these communities are presented
in Tables 3 and 4.
3.1.3 Closed Deciduous Forest
t «
Upland colluvial slopes, especially those occurring on south-exposed
slopes north of the lake support closed paper birch forests. Although
paper birch is the principal tree species, white spruce occurs as an
occasional associate. This forest is characterized by a luxuriant under-
story dominated by bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis) and a heavy moss
carpet. Trees are relatively short, 9 meters (30 feet), and up to 14
centimeters dbh (5.5 inches), including the scattered white spruce. Paper
birch exhibit a multi-stemed habit, ususally with the older trunks decayed by
heart rot. Although white spruce appears to be successionally replacing
paper birch, the low number of seedlings and saplings would indicate the
process is quite slow. The designated community, and species and percent
ground cover are presented in Table 5.
3.1.4 Open Mixed Forests
Mixed coniferous and deciduous forests occur mainly on alluvial terraces
along the lower Tazimina River and streams entering Lower Tazimina Lake.
Balsam poplar (Populus balsami feral is associated with white spruce on many
of the younger secondary terraces, whereas paper birch and white spruce form
mixed stands usually on the older, less cobbly surfaces. Both types are
distinguished by a dense ground cover of feathermosses. Trees ranged in size
A-7
TABLE 3
Species and Percent Cover for the
Picea mariana/Ledum decumbens/Lichen Community
STRATUM AND SPECIES
TREES
Picea mariana
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB «30cm)
Ledum decumbens
Vaccinium uliginosum
Arctostaphylos alpina
Betula nana
Empetrum nigrum
Vaccinium vitis-idea
Calamagrostis canadensis
BRYOPHYTES
(Sphagnum spp.
Hylocomium splendens,
Barbilophozia spp.,
Polytrichum juniperinum)
LICHENS (Cetraria alpestris,
f· cucculata, f. islandica,
Sterocaulon spp_, Cladonia spp.)
MEAN PERCENT COVER
2*
25
20
10
5
10
5
<1
20
80
*Sample size did not provide good cover data for P. mariana but total stand
cover was about 10 percent.
A-8
.. '
....
".
TABLE 4
Species and Perment Cover for the
Picea mariana/Betula nana/Lichen Community
STRATUM SPECIES
TREES
Picea mariana
LOW SHRUB (30cm to 2m)
Potentilla fruticosa
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB «30cm)
Betula nana
Vaccinium uliginosum
V. vitis-idaea
'i:.... oxycoccus
Myrica gale
Equisetum arvense
Andromeda polifolia
Empetrum nigrum
BRYOPHYTE
(Sphagnum spp., Dicranum spp.)
LICHEN
(Cetraria cuccculata, f.
alpestris, f. islandica,
Cladonia spp., Stereo-
caulon spp.)
EXTRALIMIT ALS
Diapensia lapponica
Rubus chamaemorus
MEAN PERCENT COVER
<1*
5
30
15
<1
<1
5
2
<1
2
15
60
*Sample size did not provide good cover data for P. mariana but total stand
cover was about 10 percent.
A-9
TABLE 5
Species and Percent Cover for the
Betula papyrifera/Calamagrostis canadensis/Feathermoss Community
STRATUM AND SPECIES
TREES
Betula papyrifera
Picea glauca
LOW SHRUB (>30cm-2m)
Spiraea beauverdiana
Rhododendron camtschaticum
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB
Rubus arctic us
Calamagrostis canadensis
Corn us suecica
Eguisetum arvense
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Trientalis europaea
Dryopteris fragans
Epilobium augustifolium
Bromus spp.
Vaccinium uliginosum
Linnaea borealis
Lycopodium annotiun
BRYOPHYTE
(Pleurozium schreberi, ptilium
crista-castrensis, Dicranum spp.)
LICHEN
Peltigera aphthosa
A-10
MEAN PERCENT COVER
65
2
1
<1
50
60
30
t
2
5
10
3
7
10
3
<1
70
5
--
-
..
-
from 8 to 22 meters (26 feet) in height and 8 to 40 centimeters (3 to 16
inches) dbh with 60 percent composition of white spruce. Upland stands of
mixed white spruce/paper birch also occur in areas of good drainage and a
southerly aspect. Species and percent ground cover for these two communities
are presented in Tables 6 and 7.
3.2 TUNDRA
A few of the tundra forms were catagorized under low shrub and herb-
aceous sedge grass communities since these communities occur within the
boreal forest and are largely the result of microclimate and topography
rather than components of tundra. For this study, tundra types were defined
by elevation.
The remoteness of mat and cushion tundra, above 610 meters (2000 feet),
did not warrant detailed coverage but qualitative observations were made from
one excursion to the higher alpine areas. The type found throughout the
upper alpine slope was ~ominated by dryas (Dryas octapetala), forbs, and
prostrate shrub.
3.3 SHRUBLANDS
Vegetation dominated by both tall and low shrubs occurs along back
swamps and oxbows of the lower Tazimina River, especially near the outlet of
Lower Tazimina Lake (see Table 1 for classes).
3.3.1 Closed Tall Shrubland
Tall shrub vegetation occurs as an early successional stage of forests
on alluvial terraces along the river and as subalpine thickets below timber-
line. White spruce forests appear to be the climax community in riparian
areas, although mixed wood (white spruce, paper birch, balsam poplar) with a
prominent willow or alder (Alnus sinuata and A. tenui folia) understory is
common due to periodic flooding. However, feltleaf willow (Salix alaxensis)
dominates a closed tall shrub stratum in this successional vegetation type.
A-11
TABLE 6
Species and Percent Cover for the
Picea glauca-Populus balsamifera/Calamagrostis candensis Community
STRATUM AND SPECIES
TREES
Picea glauca
Populus balsamifera
LOW SHRUB (>30cm to 2m)
Viburnum edule
Spiraea beauverdiana
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB
Calamagrostis canadensis
Corn us suecica
Rubus arcticus
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Pyrola asarifolia
Vaccinium uliginosum
Empetrum nigrum
Betula nana
Linnaea borealis
Rosa acicularis
MOSS
(Hylocomium splendens,
ptilium crista-castrensis,
Pleurozium schreberi)
EXTRALIMITALS
Potent ilIa fruticosa
Epilobium angustifolium
Equisetum arvense
A-12
MEAN PERCENT COVER
30
10
2
1
20
15
5
1
1
3
3
3
5
<1
50
.,
...
...
...
...
TABLE 7
Species and Percent Cover for the
Picea glauca-Betula papyrifera/Vaccinium
vitis-idaea/Hylocomium splendens Community
STRATUM AND SPECIES MEAN PERCENT COVER
TREE
Picea glauca
Betula papyriefera
LOW SHRUB (>30cm to 2m)
Rosa acicularis
Viburnum edule
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
'i. uliginosum
Pyrola asarifolia
Empetrum nigrum
Cornus suecica
Epilobium angustifolium
Deschampsia caespitosa
Pyrola secunda
Linnaea borealis
Calamagrostis canadensis
Dryopteris fragrans
Eguisetum arvense
BRYOPHYTE
(Hylocomium splendens,
ptilium crista-castrensis)
EXTRALIMENTALS
Angelica lucida, Polemonium
acutiflorum, Trientalis eUFopaea,
Salix spp., Dicranum spp.,
Sphagnum spp.
A-13
10
2
7
<1
15
5
5
2
2
2
<1
2
10
2
15
1
90
vegetation type. Dense thickets of white spruce 4 to 6 meters (13 to 20
feet) in height with a dbh of 6 to 10 centimeters (2.4 to 3.9 inches) were
present, although scattered in the community. The understory is dominated by
bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis) and a thick carpet of mosses. Community
type and species percent cover by stratum are presented in Table 8.
Alder thickets occur in conjunction with moist, silty soils on north
exposed slopes and on steep, well-drained slopes. The stands are also
associated with late-melting snow fields and reflect relatively moist, rich
habitats with a diverse understory composition. Quantitative cover data were
not taken since this community occurs above the expected influence of the
proposed project. However, the designated community type and principal
species by strata is presented in Table 9.
3.3.2 Open Low Shrublands
Back swamps and oxbows with organic material contain low shrub/sedge
(Salix spp./Carex kelloggii) marsh vegetation characterized by hummocks
covered with sphagnum. Willows (Salix spp. Salix fuscescens) dominate the
shrub stratum of this community, al though heaths are also common. Sedge
(Carex kelloggii) is prominent especially in the water-filled depressions;
however, mosses (Sphagnum spp., Pleurogzium schreberi, Barbilophozia spp.)
dominate the ground cover. Table 10 provides the designated community type
and species cover by stratum.
A second low shrub type occurs in rock-filled channels near the outlet
of the lake and the area adjacent to north bay. This type was distinguished
by open areas of water (25 centimeters [10 inches] deep) over angular rock,
interspersed with mounds of organic matter containing mosses. Sweet gale
(Myrica gale) and cinquefoil (Potentilla frutucosa) are the dominant shrubs,
although dwarf birch, bog blueberry and willow commonly occur. Lichens
dominate the ground cover occurring occasionally with leatherleaf
(Chamaedaphne calyculata) above the water level on the hummocks. Conversely,
sedge (Carex magellanica irrigua) and wild flag (ll!! setosa) are most
prevalent in the water inundated depressions. Water and rocks comprise about
A-14
TABLE 8
Species and Percent Cover for the
Sal ix al axensis/Cal amagrostis c anadensis/Feathermoss Communi t y
STRATUM AND SPECIES
TREE
Picea glauca
TALL SHRUB (>2m)
Salix alaxensis
LOW SHRUB (>30cm-2m)
Viburnum edule
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB (30cm)
Calamagrostis canadensis
Rubus arctic us
Triantelis europaea
Artemisia arctica
Viola epipsila
Polemonium acutiflorum
Pyrola secunda
P. asari folia
Athyrium filix-femina
BRYOPHYTE
(Tomenthypnum nites,
Hylocomium splendens,
Ptilium crista-castrensis)
EXTRALIMITALS
Thalictrum sparsiflorum
Sanguisorba stipulata
Epilobium augustifolium
Ribes triste
Populus balsamifera
A-15
MEAN PERCENT COVER
21
72
5
22
4
4
8
4
<1
<1
(1
<1
60
TABLE 9
Principal Species Within
Alnus sinuata-Salix pulchra/Spiraea beauverdiana/
Calamagrostis canadensis Community
TALL SHRUB STRATUM (>2m tall)
Alnus sinuata
Salix pulchra
~ barclayi
S. arctica arctica
LOW SHRUB STRATUM (30cm-2m tall)
Spiraea beauverdiana
Menziesia ferruginea
Viburnum edule
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB «30cm tall)
Rubus chamaemorus
Calamagrostis canadensis
Deschampsia beringensis
Athyrium filix-femina
Cornus suecica
Pedicularis sudetic a
Gentiana platypatala
Senecio lugens
Arnica chamissonis
Saxifraga caespitosa
~ punctata
Thelypteris phegopteris
Erigeron peregrinus
Lycopodium annotinum
.!:...:.. alpinum
Aconitum delphinifolium
Veratrum viride eschscholtzii
BRYOPHYTE
Hylocomium splendens
ptilium crista-castrensis
Sphagnum spp.
A-16
-
""
..
TABLE 10
Species and Percent Cover for the
Salix fuscescens/Carex kelloggii/Sphagnum spp. Community
STRATUM AND SPECIES
LOW SHRUB (30cm to 2m)
Salix fuscescens
Salix spp.
Betula nana
MEAN PERCENT COVER
2
20
10
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB «30cm)
Vaccinium uliginosum
Andromeda polifolia
Eriophorum scheuchzeri
Carex kelloggii
BRYOPHYTE
(Sphagnum spp.,· Pleurozium
schreberi, Barbilophozia spp.
LICHEN
20
5
<1
15
60
(Cladonia spp., Cetraria cucculata, 15
C. islandica)
A-17
60 percent of the total ground cover. The designated communi t y type and
species percent cover by stratum are presented in Table 11.
Ridges above treeline contain low shrub communities dominated by heath
and lichen (Table 1). This vegetation, in addition to occurring on wind-
exposed uplands, is also associated with stone-gravel soils and covers
much of the old outwash plane and low lying areas of the Tazimina River.
Heaths, including lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), diapensia (Diapensia
lapponica), crowberry and dwarf birch form a low shrub mat over a continuous
cover of lichens (Cetraria cucculata, C. islandica, Usnea spp., Stereocaulon
spp.) The designated community type and species ground cover by stratum are
presented in Table 12.
A similar community occurs at higher elvations forming much of the
alpine tundra above the lake and river (762 meters [2500 feet] elevation).
However, a number of additional species are instrumental in forming a tundra
physiognomy including red-fruit bearberry (Arctostaphylos rubra), narrow-leaf
Labrador tea (Ledum decumbens), dwarf and prostrate willows (Salix arctica
arctica, S. glauca), white mountain avens, and tofieldia (Tofieldia
coccinea). This community (Salix spp./Arctostaphylos rubra-Dryas octapetala)
intermingles with wet sedge meadows and, at the lower elevational limit of
the alpine zone, with a niveal (snow bank) community dominated by Alaska
cassiope (Cassiope lycopodoides), Luetkae pectinata and a rich herbaceous
flora.
In poorly drained areas, this community develops a strong component of
cottongrass (Eriophorum spp.) and sedge (Carex spp.).
3.4 HERBACEOUS VEGETATION
In areas of standing water found at the centers of bogs, at the edges of
small ponds and in other areas of shallow water, small stands of sedge (Carex
aguatalis, .£:. rostratus) can be found. Late successional stage bogs are
often covered by cotton grass (Eriophorum Scheuchzeri, E. vaginatum) and
sedges.
A-18
..
TABLE 11
Species and Percent Gover for the
Myrica gale-Potentilla fruticosa/Carex magellanica irrigua/Lichen
Community
STRATUM AND SPECIES
LOW SHRUB (>30cm-2m)
Myrica gale
Betula nana
Potentilla fruticosa
Salix barclayii
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB (OOcm)
Vaccinium uliginosum
Chamaedaphne calyculata
Carex magellanica irrigua
Arenaria prostrata
Calamagrostis canadensis
Scirpus caespitosus
Iris setosa
BRYOPHYTE
LICHEN
MEAN PERCENT COVER
12
10
25
5
7
<1
6
>1
>1
2
>1
(Centraria islandica, ~ cucculata) 45
A-19
TABLE 12
Species and Percent Cover for the
Betula nana/Empetrum nigrum/Lichen Community
STRATUM AND SPECIES MEAN PERCENT COVER
HERBACEOUS AND DWARF SHRUB «30m)
Betula nana
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Empetrum nigrum
Diapensia lapponica
Salix glauca
Oxytropis nigrescens
BRYOPHYTE
(Dicranum spp.)
LICHEN
(Cetraria cucculata, ~ islandica,
Cladonia spp., Peltigera spp.,
Usnea spp., Stereocaulon spp.)
EXTRALIMIT ALS
Pedicularis verticillata
Erigeron spp.
Antennaria monocephala
Campanula lasiocarpa
A-20
18
2
20
6
<1
2
<1
52
..
\i""
""">
."
-
Wet sedge meadows on mountain plateaus are dominated by sedge (Carex
gmelinii, .£.:.. macrochaeta), rush (Juncus drommondii), sweet coltsfoot
(Petasites frigidus), angelica (Angelica lucida), bistort (Polygonum
bistorta), and mats of mosses (Hylocomium splendens, Pitliam crista-
)
castrensis, Pleurozium schreberi Sphagnum spp., Dicranium). This community
is characterized as Carex gmelinii/.£. macrochaeta/moss. Since these areas
were quite limited no quantitative data were taken.
4.0 DISCUSSION
The plant communities of the Lower Tazimina Lake region are generally
representative of western Alaska boreal forest and alpine types. Similar
types have been described for the lake Clark region north of the study area
(Racine and Young 1978) and the Lake Iliamna area immediately south of the
study area (Williamson and Peyton 1962). None of the vegetation types
appear to be unique to this region. Plant species identified during the
August 1981 field investigation are listed on Table 13.
No evidence of recent fires was observed in the watershed nor was any
evidence of human disturbance to the vegetation (i.e., logging, land clear-
ing). Overall condition appeared to be rather pristine.
A-21
f
N
N
LICHENS
Cetraria alpestris
C. cucculata
C. islandica
Cladonia spp.
Peltigera aphthosa
Peltigera spp.
Stereocaulon spp.
Thamnolia spp.
Usnea spp.
BRYOPHYTES
Barbilophozia spp.
Dicranum polysetum
Oicranum spp.
Hylocomium splendens
Sphsgnum spp.
Polytrichium juniperinum
ptilium crista-castrensis
Pleurozium schreberi
Sphagnum spp.
Tomenthypnum nitens
LYCOPOOIACEAL
Lycopodium annotinum
L. selago
L. alpinum
EQUISETACEAE
Equisetum arl/ense
E. flul/iatile
ATHYRIACEAE
Athyrium filix-femina
ASPIDIACEAE
Dryopteris fragrans
Gymnocarpium dryopteris
THELYPTERIDACEAE
Thelypteris phaegopteris
TABLE 13
Plant Species Identified in the Tazimina Lake Region, 1981
PINACEAE
Picea glauca
P. mariana
GRAMINEAE
Alopecurus alpinua
Arctagrostis latifolia
Agrostis scabra
Calamagrostis canadensis
Deschampsia caespitosa arientalis (1)
D. beringensis
Poa glauca, Poa spp.
Bromus pac! ficus
8romus spp.
Hierochloe alpina
Phleum commutatum
CYPERACEAE
Eriophorum angustifolium
Eo vaginatum
Eo scheuchzer i
Scirpus caespitosus
Carex rostrata
C. rad flora
C. KeUoggii
C. magellanica irrigua
C. gmelinii
C. macrochaeta
C. saxitilus laxa
C. pluriflora
C. enanduri
C. lael/ iculmis
C. pauci flora
C. aquatilis
JUNCACEAE
Juncus alpinus
J. castaneus
J. bufonesis
J. drummondii
Lusula mutliflora
LILIACEAE
Tofieldia coccinea
Allium schoenoprasum
Veratrum I/iride eschscholtzii
I ,
IRIDACEAE
Iris setosa
ORCHIDACEAE
Spiranthes lomanzoffiana
SALICACEAE
Populus balsamifera
Salix glauca
S. Scouleriana
S. alaxensis
S. pulchra
S. barclayi
S. arctica arctica
S. fuscescens
S. reticulata reticulata
Salix spp.
MYRICACEAE
Myrica gale
BETULACEAE
Betula nana
B. papyrifera
Alnus sinuata
Alnus tenuifolia
POL YGONACEAE
Polygonum bistorta plumosum
Rumex arcticus
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Stellaria spp.
Arenaria prostrata
NYMPHAECEAE
Nuphar polysepalum
RANUNCULACEAE
Aconitum delphinifolium
Thalictrum sparsiflorum
f
N
IJ.I
CRASSULACEAE
Sedum rosea integrifolium
DROSERACEAE
Drosera rotundifolia
SAXIFRAGACEAE
Saxifraga caespitosa
S. punctata
S. hirculus
Heuchera glabra
Parnassia palustris
Ribes priste
ROSACEAE
Spirea beauverdiana
Luetkea pectinata
Sorbus scopulina
Rubus chamaemorus
R. arcticus
R. idaeus
Potent ilia fruticosa
p. palustris
Dryas octapetala
Sanguisorba stipulata
Rosa acicular is
LEGUHINOSAE
Oxytropis campestris
Lupinus nootkatenais
Viela sp.
GERANIACEAE
Geranium erianthum
VIOLACEAE
Viola spp.
ONAGRACEAE
Epilobium palustre
[. angustifolium
E. latifolium
UHBELLlFERAE
Angelica lucida
TABLE 1J (continued)
Plant Species Identified in the Tazimina Lake Region, 1981
CORNACEAE
Cornus suecia
PYROLACEAE
Pyrola asarifolia
P. secunda
EHPETRACEAE
Empetrum nigrum
ERICACEAE
Ledum decumbens
Rhododendron csmtschaticum
Menziesia ferruginea
Cassiope lycopodioides
Andromeda polifolia
Ohampaedaphne calyculata
Arctostagphylos rubra
A. alpina
Vaccinium uliginosum
V. vitis-idaea
V. oxycocus
DIAPENSIACEAE
Diapensia lapponica
PRIHULACEAE
Trientalis europaea
GENTIANACEAE
Gentiana platypatala
Swertia perennis
Menyanthes trifoliata
POLEHONIACEAE
Polemonium acutiflorum
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Pedicularis verticullata
P. sudetica
P. parv i flora
OROBANCHACEAE
Orobanche fasciculata
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Linnaea borealis
Viburnum edule
CAHPHANULACEAE
Campanula lasiocarpa
COHPOSITAE
Solidago multiradiata
Erigeron spp.
Eo peregrinus
Antennaria monocephala
Artemisia arctica
Arnica chamissonis
Senecio lugens
Senecio spp.
Taraxacum spp.
Aster sibricus
Achillea borealis
APPENDIX A
5.0 REFERENCES
Hulten, A., 1967. Flora of Alaska and Neighboring territories. Stanford
University Press.
Racine, C.H., S.B. Young, 1978. Ecosystems of the proposed lake Clark
National Park, Alaska, Contributions from the Center of Northern Studies
No. 16. USDI and National Park Service.
Viereck, L.A., and E.L. Little, Jr., 1972. Alaska trees and shrubs Agric.
Handbook No. 410. Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Wash. D.C.
265 pp.
Viereck, l.A., T.C. Dyrness, 1980. A preliminary classification system for
vegetation of Alaska. Fourth Edition General Technical Report PWN-105.
USDA Forest Service.
Williamson, F.S.l., l.J. Peyton, 1962. Faunal relationships of birds in the
Iliamna lake area, Alaska. Biological papers of the University of
Al aska, No.5.
A-24
.'
...
APPENDIX B
PISB.D.lES RESEARCH DStl1'UIE
School of .P:l.shar.ies
~versity of Washington
Seattle, Washington 98195
TAZIMINA RIVER SOCKEYE SALMON STUDIES
Evaluation of Spawning Ground Survey Data
by
P. B. Poe and O. A. Mathisen
Pinal Report
Contract No. 12023-006-20
Dames & Moore
Submitted 31 January 1982
Approved
Director
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 ABSTRACT · . .'. . . .
2.0 INTRODUCTION
3.0 THE STUDY AREA
3.1
3.2
Physical Description • .
Sockeye Salmon Runs •••••
4.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS.
4.1 Materials . · · · · · · · 4.2 Survey Methods · 4.3 Data Analysis · ·
4.3.1 Period 1920-1938 · · · · 4.3.2 Period 1939-1957 · · · · 4.3.3 Period 1947-1954 · · · · 4.3.4 Period 1955-1981 · · · · · · · · · 4.3.5 Use of Data · · · · 4.3.6 Criteria Used in Selecting Peak
Index Values
4.3.7 Direction . ·
5.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5.1 Relative Importance of Taztmina Sockeye
Salmon Runs ..••. . • . . . . .
5.1.1 Tazimina River Peak Spawning Ground
Index as Percent of Total Kvichak
Escapement Count · · · · · · · · · 5.1.2 Tazimina River Peak Spawning Ground
Index as Percent of Total Sapwning
Ground Index · · · · · · · · · · · 5.1.3 Tazimina River Peak Spawning Ground
Index as Percent of Total Index
of Stream Spawning Areas · · · · · 5.1.4 Tazimina River Peak Spawning Ground
Index as Percent of Four Major
Rivers Routinely Indexed
5.1.5 Tazimina River Index as Percent of
Newhalen River-Lake Clark System
· · ·
· ·
·
·
·
Escapement Counted Above the Newhalen
River Proper · · · · · · · · · · 5.1.6 Differences from Values Presented in
Earlier Publications · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · ·
·
· · · ·
· · · · ·
· · · · ·
· · · · ·
· · · ·
Page
1
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
7
9
9
9
9
10
10
10
11
"'"
-.
I$fJ
..
5.2 Trends in Tazimina River Sockeye Salmon
Production • • • .. •. • . . . . •
5.3 Portion of Salmon in the Canyon-Falls Area.
5.4 Limitations of Data •..•
5.4.1 Impact of Subsistence Fishery on
Tazimina River Salmon Runs
5.4.2 Other Limitations •.••...
5.5 Other Sources of Possible Information
5.5.1 HCF Photographic Surveys of
Tazimina River • • • • . •
5.5.2 1979 Photographs of High Density
Spawning in Tazimina River
6.0 SUMMARY ..
7.0 REFERENCES CITED
Page
12
13
13
13
15
16
16
17
18
20
Table No.
1
2
3
LIST OF TABLES
Tazimina River. (1) Peak spawning ground index
(PSGI), (2) PSGI as PeNT total Kvichak escape-
ment, (3) PSGI as PCNT total accounted for in
stream surveys, (4) PSGI as PeNT total of
stream spawners accounted for in stream surveys,
(5) PSGI as PCNT of 4 major river systems
indexed routinely over time, (6) PSGI as PCNT
of Lake Clark escapement. Sockeye salmon,
Kvichak River system, Bristol Bay, Alaska •••
Percent of Tazimina River peak spawning ground
index of sockeye salmon documented in the
Canyon-Falls area during the period 1967-1981 •
Kvichak River system sockeye salmon sub-
sistence information . . • • • . .
21
22
23
Figure No.
1
LIST OF FIGURES
Location of the Tazimina River system in the
Newha1en River-Lake Clark system. of the
Kvichak River system • . . • • . • . . • . .
2 Tazimina River peak spawning ground index
as a percentage of total Kvichak River
system escapement ••••• • • . •
3a
3h
3c
4
5
6
7
Tazimina River peak spawning ground
indexes as a percentage of total Kvichak
River system escapements, 1955-1981
Tazimina River peak spawning ground
indexes as a percentage of total index
accounted for in Kvichak stream surveys,
1955-1981 •• " •.••••••.
Tazimina River peak spawning ground
indexes as a percentage of total index
of Kvichak system stream spawning areas,
1955-1981 • • • . • • • . • • •
Tazlmlna River peak spawning ground
indexes as a peTcentage of total index
accounted for in Kvichak system stream
surveys, 1955-1981 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Tazimina River peak spawning ground
indexes as a percentage of total index
of Kvichak system stream spawning areas,
1955-1981 . • . . • • . • • • •
Tazimina River peak spawning ground
indexes as a percentage of total index
of 4 major river systems routinely sur-
veyed, 1920-1981 • • • • . • • • • •
Kvichak River total escapements and
Tazimina River peak spawning ground index
information during the period 1920-1981
24
25
26
26
26
27
28
29
30
1.0 ABSTRACT
Available data on the relative magnitude of the sockeye salmon
escapement to Tazimina River have been summarized. No counts or estimates
of absolute escapement have been made. Some early evidence is almost
anecdotal while recent stream survey data can be used as relative but
quantitative abundance indexes with unknown but presumably wide confidence
limits judging from experience elsewhere. The relative number of salmon
observed in the canyon-falls area of Tazimina River over the period 1967-
1981 have also been summarized.
Escapements to Tazimina River were low in the 1950's as were the
total Bristol Bay salmon runs, which had declined in relation to earlier
decades from excessive commercial harvest and unfavorable environmental
conditions. Superimposed on this was an intensive subsistence fishery
on Tazimina River stocks, especially during years of small runs. A
strong resurgence of the Bristol Bay sockeye salmon runs commenced during
the last salmon cycle and is also reflected in recent escapements to the
Tazimina River where the trend follows an exponential curve.
H-1
TAZIMINA RIVER SOCKEYE SALMON STUDIES
2.0 INTRODUCTION
The Tazimina River is one of the major producers of sockeye salmon
in the Newhalen River-Lake Clark component of the Kvichak River system
in Bristol Bay in southwestern Alaska (Figure 1). Records of observa-
vations on the spawning grounds of sockeye salmon in the Tazimina River
system date back to 1920. Over the period 1920-1938 management agents
and wardens of the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries (BCF) conducted ground,
and to a much lesser extent, aerial surveys of the Tazimina River. The
inconsistency of the coverage and timing of the surveys during this period
do not generally permit a quantitative comparison of numbers, except in
some years when index counts of spawners were made. From 1939-1957, except
during the war years, 1942 and 1943, BCF personnel conducted systematic
aerial surveys of a select group of index areas within the Kvichak system
which also included the Tazimina River. Since 1955 the relative abundance
of spawners in the Tazimina River has been routinely assessed by personnel
of the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI).
This report was assembled under a contract with Dames & Moore ($3,500).
All FRI original field observations 1947-1981 were financed by grants from
the Bristol Bay salmon industry, the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, and
the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
3.0 THE STUDY AREA
3.1 Physical Description
The Tazimina River is a tributary of the Newhalen River. and empties
into Six-Mile Lake across from the village of Nondalton (Figure 1). Its
total length is 54.0 mi, however, a falls 9.5 mi from the mouth presents
a total block to salmon. The total accessible spawning area has been set
at 792,308 yd 2 (163.7 a), from measurement of total river length and
estimated average width below the falls. By visual inspection of gravel
2 suitability for spawning, 22%, or 174,240 yd (36.0 a), was classified as
potential spawning area (Demory, Orrell and Heinle 1964). The river us-
ually runs clear and seldom floods during the period of sockeye salmon
spawning (exceptions 1959 and 1980) and is one of the few spawning areas
in the Newhalen River-Lake Cla~k system where salmon can be consistently
assessed by visual means.
3.2 Sockeye Salmon Runs
The time of occupancy of adult sockeye salmon in most years is from
mid-July to mid-September, however, during some years of large runs, live
salmon have been observed into mid-October. The period of spawning occurs
from 15 August to 10 September in most years, but can be appreciably ex-
tended in years of large runs. Distribution extends to the falls in years
of large abundance, however, most spawning occurs below river mile 7 where
several heavily braided areas containing numerous side channels are util-
ized in most years.
4.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS
4.1 Materials
All existing BCF and FRI spawning ground records for the Kvichak
River system were thoroughly reviewed for information on Tazimina River
The BCF data covering the period 1920-1957 were acquired from semi-monthly
and Annual Management Reports, Reports of the Commissioner of Fisheries
to the Secretary of Commerce (Alaska Fishery and Fur Seal Industry Reports),
and considerable unpublished information acquired in 1975 from the archives
of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Lab in Auke Bay, Alaska.
4.2 Survey Methods
Since 1955 FRI has conducted systematic aerial, and to a much lesser
extent ground, boat and scuba, surveys of many of the more than 100 spawn-
ingareasutilized by sockeye salmon in the Kvichak system. The common pro-
cedure has been to conduct aerial surveys on calm, clear days, between
1000 hand 1500 h whenever practicable. Optimal airspeed and altitude have
ranged between 70 to 100 mph and 300 to 500 ft, respectively. Observers
wearing polaroid glasses have made counts of live and dead salmon, usually
in units of 100 and 1000.
It is recognized that estimates of salmon abundance at anyone time
do not correctly estimate the total number of spawners returning to the
spawning gravels of an individual spawning area, as spawners are not a
stationary population and new entrants arrive to take the place of those
that die after spawning. Therefore, in practice it has been attempted to
cover all major spawning areas at least once and sometimes two or three
times during the season to assure observations during the peak of spawning,
here defined as the time of the maximum abundance of spawners.
B-4
•
It is also recognized that counts of every fish in a stream, pond, or
beach spawning area cannot be made by an observer flying overhead at 70 to
100 miles an hour. Spawning populations often number up to several hundred
thousand in years of large runs and may be distributed over only a few miles
of river or beach with spawner densities of several to a square meter. Thus,
the objective has been to obtain an index of relative abundance, during or
near the peak of spawning when the maximum observed abundance of spawners
are present. In practice this maximum observed abundance has been used as
an index to the number of spawners and is used for year to year comparisons.
This index represents at best a measure of peak abundance, or some unknown
portion of the true population returning to a spawning area.
4.3 Data Analysis
All quantitative data for Tazimina River were grouped into four periods
of information. but with some overlap.
4.3.1 Period 1920-1938. BCF personnel conducted ground, boat, and to
a much lesser extent, aerial surveys of a number of important Kvichak spawn-
ing areas during most years over the period 1920-1938. The consistency of
the coverage, timing of the surveys, together with the overlap of personnel
during this period, generally only permit a qualitative comparison of abund-
ance. Assessments of overall abundance to the Kvichak system were usually
presented as descriptions of completeness of utilization of available
spawning grounds. However, during some years, for a number of important
spawning areas, oftentimes including Tazimina River, index counts of
spawners were obtained.
4.3.2 Period 1939-1957. From 1939-1957, excluding 1942 and 1943, BCF
personnel established a program that systematically surveyed a group of
index areas and this data was then used to obtain an estimate of Kvichak
8-5
1 escapement (Eicher 1952). Ground and boat surveys were less extensive
during this period with aerial surveys becoming the major method of assess-
mente
4.3.3 Period 1947-l9~ From 1947-1954, FRl, financed by the salmon
processors of Bristol Bay, made occasional spawning ground surveys of some
of the major spawning groups. Generally the coverage and timing of these
surveys was not as conducive towards obtaining estimates of peak spawner
abundance as were the BCF surveys conducted during these same years.
4.3.4 Period 1955-1981. Beginning in 1955, FRI established a much
expanded stream survey program with increased funding from BCF. Since
1955 FRI has systematically conducted spawning ground surveys in the
Kvichak system. The number of stream, pond, and mainland and island beach
spawning areas routinely indexed has increased considerably in relation to
earlier survey periods. Aerial surveys have continued to be the major
method of assessment.
4.3.5 Use of Dat, In this report all the presented peak index values
for the Tazimina River prior to 1955, except 1949, are from BCF records.
Data presented for 1949 and 1955-1981 are from FRI stream survey records.
4.3.6 Criteria Used in Selecting Peak Index Values. During many years
the Tazimina River was surveyed more than once during the season. For these
years the following criteria were used in selecting the peak index values
presented in this report. p-,t
1) The experience and consistency of the observer. It is statistically
better to use only one observer over a number of years.
2) The quality of the survey; light, wind, and other visibility
criteria were considered.
lEicher, G. J. 1952. Bristol Bay stream survey indices, 1939-1951.
U. S. Fish. Wildl. Serv., unpublished manuscript. 9 pp.
8-6
3) The extent and coverage of the survey.
4) The timing of the survey was carefully considered. If the survey
was too early some fish may not have arrived and a large portion
of fish present may have been schooled both in the stream and
off the mouth. Accuracy decreases rapidly when fish are densely
schooled and some portion of fish schooled off or in the vicin-
ity of the mouth may have been destined to spawn in other areas.
Surveys made past the peak of spawning tend to err on the low
side. Counts of morbibund and dead fish tend to be much less
reliable than counts of the same population live and distributed
evenly over the spawning gravels. Salmon carcasses in streams
tend to become concentrated and silted down in deep pools, eddies,
and along and under banks.
During those years when only one spawning ground survey was made, even
though it was not always made during the peak of spawning, unless the
timing and survey conditions were too inadequate for reasonable compari-
son to other years, the index values were used. In this work the index
values recorded for the years 1959, 1972, and 1973 were not used in the
calculation of range and mean values because of poor visibility and late
timing.
4.3.7 Direction. The data analysis was directed towards determining
the past relative contribution of Tazimina River to the total salmon es-
capement to the Newhalen River-Lake Clark system, and the Kvichak system
as a whole. No attempt is made to incorporate catch data from the Bristol
Bay commercial fishery which on the average takes 40 to 50%. of the Kvichak
run. In practice, this does not change the relative importance of the
Tazimina River salmon resource, but it certainly underestimates its abso-
lute production. In addition, the portion of salmon in the canyon-falls
8-7
area (RM 8.5-9.5) of Tazimina River was determined from magnetic tape re-
cordings of descriptive accounts of estimated numbers made during aerial
surveys conducted over the period 1967-1981.
8-8
5.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5.1 Relative Importance of Tazimina Sockeye Salmon Runs
All available information concerning Tazimina River peak spawning
ground indexes is presen~ed in Table 1. Since no absolu~e escapemen~
values have been made for Ta%imina River its importance can only be
assessed in relative terms. The relative importance of Tazimina River
salmon production was examined in a number of ways.
5.1.1 Ta:zimina River Peak Spawning Ground Index as Percent of Total
Kvichak Escapement Count
The relationship of the Tazimina River peak spawning ground index to
the total Kvichak escapement shows it represents 0 to 4.49% and .80%, range
and mean, respectively (Table 1, Figures 2 and 3a), during the years
1955-1981, the only period for which there exists absolute estimates of
the Kvichak escapement. It should be cautioned that in this particular case
we are comparing an index of escapement. which only represents the abundance
of spawners at one time~ and not the total number of spawners, to an absolute
estimate of escapement obtained from a systematic count over time, with no
adjustment being made to expand the index to represent the true Tazimina
River escapement.
5.1.2 Tazimina River Peak Spawning Ground Index as Percent of Total
Spawning Ground Index
Comparison of the Tazimina River index to the total index of spawners
accounted for in Kvichak system spawning ground surveys shows it contributing
o to 17.65% and 4.22%, range and mean, respectively (Table 1. Figures 4
and 3b), during the years 1955-1981. The total index of spawners accounted
for represents the total peak spawning ground counts of salmon from all
stream, pond, and mainland and island beach spawning areas surveyed.
8-9
5.1.3 Tazimina River Peak Spawning Ground Index as Percent of Total
Index of Stream Spawning Areas
The Tazimina River index as a percent of the total index of stream
spawning areas shows it contributing 0 to 24.93% and 6.16%, range and mean,
respectively (Table 1, Figures 5 and 3c), during the period 1955-1981.
The total index of stream spawning areas represents the total of peak
spawning ground counts of salmon for all stream spawning areas surveyed.
This comparison within the same spawning area type is made because indexes
between different spawning area types are not directly comparable due to
differences in visibility and other conditions.
5.1.4 Tazimina River Peak Spawning Ground Index as Percent of
Four Major Rivers Routinely Indexed
Considering the Tazimina River index as a percent of the total index
of four major rivers routinely surveyed (Copper, Iliamna, Gibraltar and
Tazimina) shows it contributing 0 to 43.7% and 13.38%, range and mean,
respectively. This comparison is made to utilize available quantitative
information prior to 1955 to further investigate the relative importance
and trends through time.
5.1.5 Tazimina River Index as Percent of Newha1en River-Lake Clark
System Escapement Counted Above the Newhalen River Proper
The Tazimina River peak spawning ground index as a percent of the
total escapement to areas above the Newha1en River in the Newhalen River-
Lake Clark system can only be reasonably estimated for the 3 years 1979-1981,
when the escapement up the Newhalen River was systematically counted from
intermittent visual counts. These 3 years of data show the Tazimina River
index representing 7.05 to 13.03% and 9.57%, range and mean, respectively, of
t~e escapement to spawning areas above the Newhalen River, here defined
as above the outlet of Six-Mile Lake. Salmon catches of the Nondalton
subsistence fishery were subtracted from the Newhalen River escapement
8-10
-
-
estimates before this comparison was made. Once more it is cautioned that
we are comparing an index of escapement (Taximina River spawning ground
index) to an estimate of escapement obtained from a systematic count over
time with no adjustment being made to expand the index to represent the
true Taziminia River escap~ent.
5.1.6 Differences from Values Presented in Earlier Publications
The only significant difference in Tazimina River peak spawner indexes
presented here from earlier publications is the value for 1940. In Demory
et al., (1964) the only survey recorded for 1940 reports 500,000 salmon on
the 26 July. The details of this survey (Lucas 1940 2 ) were looked at closely.
The statement is made that "there appeared to be over 500,000 reds in the
river and just off the mouth. Very few of these fish had begun spawning
as yet." Tazimina River was flown again on 21 August and the index of
spawners numbered 14,250. Eicher (loc. cit.) uses the 21 August index
of 14,250 as the peak index in his report. Examination of the Naknek-
Kvichak catch data and str.eam. survey :lndn data for other IJ i amna Lake
and Lake Clark spawning areas surveyed in 1940 gives no indication of a
run size large enough to obtain an index of 500,000 for the Tazimina River.
The 26 July survey was flown almost 1 month prior to the normal time of
peak spawning in the Tazimina River. Experience tells uS that the 26 July
survey was too early to assess the relative number of spawners returning
to the Tazimina River. Many of the salmon seen in this survey were probably
densely schooled near the mouth and others concentrated in adjacent side
sloughs along the shore of Six-Mile Lake. For there to be such a difference
in the two indexes, considerable numbers must have been destined to spawn
in other areas of the Lake Clark system. Similar situations have been
observed in FRI surveys over the years.
2 Lucus, F. R. 1940. Kvichak watershed escapement. Pages 21-22 in
Bristol Bay District Annual Rpt. in 1940.
8-11
5.2 Trends in Tazimina River Sockeye Salmon Production
Examination of Xazimina River peak spawning ground indexes, relative
percent contribution relationships, and Kvichak River escapement counts
(Table 1, Figures 2-7) shows a recent increasing trend of higher contributions
of Tazimina River sockeye salmon to the total Kvicbak escapements. Explanation
of the recent buildup of the Newhalen River-Lake Clark system, which includes
Tazimina River, is documented in internal FRI reports which will soon be
published and will not be discussed further here. We do know from historical
records that back in the 1920's and 1930's there were a number of years of
very strong runs to the Newhalen River-Lake Clark system. Unfortunately no
quantitative data presented as index counts for Tazimina River, or other
important Kvichak spawning areas, were obtained during these years.
However, reliable qualitative descriptions exist and leave little doubt
that several runs in the 1930's equaled, and most likely far exceeded, any of
the large runs that have since occurred in this system, with the possible
exception of the large run of 1979. This suggests that the Tazimina River
may have not achieved its full potential since most of the quantitative
historic studies of this system have occurred during a period when the entire
Kvichak system was in, or recovering from, a depressed state. The full
potential of Tazimina River is not known since no measurements of total
es.capement have been made. Index counts range from 0 to 500,000. Spawners
do not represent a stationary population as new entrants arrive to take
the place of those that die after spawning. The degree to which subsequent
spawners utilize spawning gravels occupied earlier in the spawning season
has not been studied.
B-12
5.3 Portion of Salmon in the Canyon-Falls Area
The results of the evaluation of the portion of salmon that have been
observed in the canyon-falls area of the Tazimina River is summarized in
Table 2. The percent of the peak spawning ground index observed in the
canyon-falls area ranged from 0 to 5.24% over the period studied, 1967-1981.
Generally the portion of salmon observed in the canyon-falls area was
proportional to the size of the return. This area is highly unsuitable
habitat for successful spawning because of bedrocks and high water velocity.
Loose eggs were observed in one eddy in the canyon during an aerial survey
in 1974.
5.4 Limitations of Data
There are a number of limitations to the data presented here which
affect their usefulness and must be considered when interpretations are made.
5.4.1 Impact of Subsistence Fishery on Tazimina River Salmon Runs
Considerable limitations concerning the results presented here are
imposed by the impacts of personal use, or subsistence fisheries, on Taz±m1na
River sockeye salmon stocks. The cumu+ative total subsistence catch of
sockeye salmon in the Kvichak River system as a percent of the cumulative
total Kvichak escapement, for the years of complete records, 1955 and
1963-1981, represents 1.21%, while the annual subsistence catch as a percent
of the Kvichak escapement ranges from .29% to 32.53% (Table 3). Tazimina
River stocks, like all other Kvichak stocks, are first impacted by the low
level subsistence fishery at the outlet of Iliamna Lake (Igiugig), just
upriver from where the Kvichak escapement is systematically counted (Figure
1). Next, Tazimina River salmon returns are moderately impacted by the village
of Newhalen personal use fishery as they pass up the Newhalen River.
8-13
However, by far the greatest impact on Tazimina River salmon returns
comes from the Nondalton subsistence salmon fishery which is centered in
Six-Mile Lake directly adjacent to the Tazimina River.
The Nondalton personal use fishery has accounted for nearly 40% of the
cumulative total recorded subsistence catch for the Kvichak system from
1955-1981, and its annual catch as a percent of the total Kvichak subsistence
catch ranges from 15.60% to 64.78% (Table 3). Annually this fishery catches
some unknown portion of the salmon returning to Tazimina River and other
spawning areas of the Newhalen River-Lake Clark system. Recorded catches of
sockeye salmon over the period 1955-1981 range from 8,000 to 49,000, and
average nearly 28,000 (Table 3). There is a recent declining trend of
catches due to reduced effort, however, this has been partially compensated
for by a concurrent increase in the sport catch of salmon, predominately as
they migrate up the Newhalen River enroute to Tazimina River and other
spawning areas.
It is not possible to reasonably estima4e the portion of the annual
salmon run to Tazimina River that has been taken by the Nondalton fishery
since salmon destined for other spawning areas of Lake Clark have also been
vulnerable to this fishery as they passed through Six-Mile Lake. However,
it is known that salmon returns to the Tazimina River in years of low and
moderate abundance have been significantly impacted (Figures 2 and 7).
In this report no attempt was made to adjust for the effects of the subsistence
fishery except in section 5.1.5. Therefore, the information presented here
on the past relative importance of the Tazimina River sockeye salmon resource
errs on the conservative side, and should be treated, or accepted, with
caution.
8-14
-
-
5.4.2 Other Limitations
1) As may be expected, the accuracy of aerial surveys is inversely
proportional to the density of populations and the variance in
an observer's estimate is proportionate to the size of the estimate.
Experiments conducted elsewhere have indicated that an observer
will detect differences in population size of plus or minus 50%
(Bevan 1961).
2) Estimates made at anyone time do not correctly estimate the
total number of spawners as the population is not stationary and
some fish remain unobserved in deep pools, under overhanging
brush or trees, or below the limits of visibility in turbid
or glacier-fed rivers or lakes. Observations will give at best
an index, or a relative fraction, of the true number of spawners.
Assuming that the length of life of individuals on the spawning
beds is relatively constant from year to year we can use the maximum
observed abundance as an index to the number of spawners.
3) Timing is critical as the objective is to obtain indexes at the
peak of abundance, or peak of spawning. Accuracy decreases rapidly
when fish are densely schooled or when many are dead and discolored
and oftentimes silt covered or washed under and along stream banks.
4) Varying weather and visibility conditions, different observers,
pilot ability and other problems common to all aerial surveys
contribute to the extraneous variance.
5) Visibility differs between areas and area types, which greatly
influences the indexes obtained. The prime example of this is
the Newhalen River-Lake Clark system where glacial flour restricts
visibility in many areas, especially along Lake Clark beaches and
in the Newhalen River (not so much recently but during many
8-15
years prior to the 1970's).
6) Typically our aerial survey counts have accounted for less than
20% (range 8-33%) of the total Kvichak escapement in anyone year
3 (Poe 1981). No attempt has been made to expand survey counts to
account for the entire escapement. For these reasons the numbers
presented in our stream surveys must be considered as indexes
of escapements only and not as actual escapements.
7) The effectiveness of our surveys increased through the years
as we became more familiar with the spawning areas and the timing
of peak spawning in different areas, but the extent of this is
difficult to assess and it does not effect a comparison of indexes
between areas over a series of years.
5.5 Other Sources of Possible Information
5.5.1 BeF Photographic Surveys of Tazimina River
From 1947-1955 photographic surveys of sockeye salmon spawners were
conducted in Bristol Bay river systems by BeF personnel (Kelez 1947 and
Eicher 1953). Photographically, index areas within index areas were used.
The Tazimina River was one area that was routinely photographed. The
area photographed is the first straight stretch above the mouth ~
(RM 1.5-2.0). An unsuccessful search was made for these records at the
NMFS Auke Bay Lab in 1975. It is not known if these records still exist.
Mr. George Eicher was contacted. The last time he saw these records was
in 1956 in Seattle.
3 Poe, P. H. 1981. Kvichak Sockeye Salmon Studies -1981 Kvichak
spawning ground surveys. Univ~ Washington, Fish. Res. lnst. Unpublished
Preliminary Report, 15 December 1981, 14pp. .t,
8-16
5.5.2 1979 Photographs of High Density Spawning in Tazimina River
A unique series of high quality photographs were taken by Mr. Tom
Kline, a graduate student working on the FRI project on 24 August. The
Tazimina River peak spawning ground index for 1979 is the highest on
record (503,750). Analysis of these photographs could provide valuable
information on optimum utilization, distribution, and high density spawning.
8-17
6.0 SUMMARY
Historic BCF and FR! spawning ground surveys were evaluated to determine
the past relative contribution of Tazimina River to total counted salmon
escapement to the Newhalen River-Lake Clark system and the Kvichak system as
a whole. Catch data from the Bristol Bay commercial fishery, which on the
average takes 40 to 50% of the Kvichak run, was not incorporated in the
analysis. Although this does not change the relative importance of the
Tazimina River salmon resource, it certainly underestimates its absolute
production. The relative portion of salmon that were observed in the canyon-
falls area of Tazimina River over the years 1967-1981 was also evaluated.
The peak spawning ground indexes of Tazimina River sockeye salmon
have represented 0 to 4.49% of the total Kvichak River system counted
escapement, 0 to 17.65% of the total index of sockeye salmon accounted
for on the spawning grounds, and 0 to 24.93% of the total index of stream
spawning areas of the Kvichak system. Peak spawning ground indexes of the
Tazimina River the last 3 years have represented 7.05 to 13.03% of the
total estimated escapement to areas above the Newhalen River. A recent trend
of higher contributions of Tazimina River salmon to the total Kvichak
escapements is indicated. The percent of the peak spawning ground index
observed in the canyon-falls area of Tazimina River ranged from 0 to 5.24%.
Considerable limitations are imposed on all of the relative
quantitative abundance indexes presented because of extraneous unknowns
concerning the relationship of indexes to true escapement values and the
impacts of the subsistence salmon fishery. While recorded Kvichak escape-
ments have varied 3 orders of magnitude Tazimina River indexes have varied
5 orders of magnitude. Part of this difference is attributable to the high
vulnerability of Tazimina River salmon to the subsistence fishery in years
6-18
of low level Kvichak escapement. Thus it should be understood that the
information presented here on the relative importance of the Tazimina River
sockeye salmon resource errs on the conservative side.
8-19
7.0 REFERENCES CITED
Bevan, D. E. 1961. Variability in aerial counts of spawning salmon.
J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada, 18(3): 337-348. Contribution No. 61.
ColI. Fish., Univ. Washington.
Demory, R. L., R. F. Orrell. and D. R. Heinle. 1964. Spawning ground
catalog of the Kvichak River system. Bristol Bay, Alaska. U.S.
Fish Wildl. Serv., Spec. Sci. Rep.--Fish. 488. 292 pp.
Eicher, G. J., Jr. 1953. Aerial methods of assessing red salmon populations
in western Alaska. J. Wildl. Mangmt. 17(4): 521-527 •
. Ke1ez, G. B. 1947. Measurement of spawning populations by means of
aerial photography. Pac. Fishm., 45:46~5l.
B-20
-
Table 1. Tadlll1lUl 1l1ver. (1) 'Peak spawlli:q grOU1ld 1Dclex (PSGI). (2) 'PSGI as 'PeNT total Itviehak _c:a~nt.
(3) PSGI _ PCIT total accOUDCeci for ill .tr ... nrv.ya. (4) PSGI ... PQIT tot&l of etr ... epavnen
acCOUAted for ill stream surveya. (5) PSG! all 'PCHT of 4 aajOT l'iver a,at ... adezed rout1De1y over
'tDe. (6) 'Psc:I .. l'CR!' of I.aJra Claft. esc" it • SDCkeJe sal:llon. ~ ti....-r ."rt.-. 81'1111:01
.lay • .&l_ka.
yrA!> III (2) (3) C4 ) (5) (6) y~Ag fll (r) I'} ( I. I (~ ) (~ ) •••• •••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• • ••• " ...... • •••• • •••• • ••• c-• ••• 0 •••••
JI~?O ~ , .5n • .. • • • ", -. lQ7C; llo9Qc;n 1.14 <;.66 9.('5 11".53 ..
1I~?4 4nOOl' • • • 10.'92 • lQ7~ 11'>39n .81 ••• ••• 13.1>110 ..
1940 142'51.\ • • • • • 1077 7"nc:; .5,. ••• ••• 7.?1f ..
lq41 765n • • • 17.83 • lQ7~ 14~90n a.5.r. 1"'.7? 21.69 43.70 ..
1Q79 "I!W37S{1 4.40 17.f:tS ;t1o.9'\ 43.33 7·05
1944 66no • • • 39.29 •
lQ45 7500 • • • 19.11 • 1980 1Zl!son. .57 1').52 7.95 14.40 8.62
1946 ~50n • • • 15.37 • 1981 29215 ].67 R.40 ]O.OC; IS.lob 13.03
1947 3~70n • • • 25.74 •
19411 24701' • • • 23.96 • RANGE (I 0 1\ n 0 7·(15
1949 120no • • • •• • ••••• TO TO T(1 TO Tn TO
5017C;1) 10.40 17.615 ?1o.Q3 ..3.70 13.03
1q'50 ?C;On • • • 11.19 •
195] 40011 • • • 2.50 • APITH
IqC;2 noon • • • 5.15 • HrAN 4]054 .80 4.22 h. 1" 13.16 9.57
1Q'53 17000 • • • 20.48 • •••• N=39 ..,=24 N=22 N=22 N=31, N=3
1954 3400 • • • 9.94 •
19'55 85 .03 .26 .3n .58 •
]c~56 323nn .34 2.43 3.21 6. HI •
1Q157 10001'1 .315 2.83 3.'" 6.92 •
1958 flon .11 .61 .91) 2.54 • • IfIISIJ,"F'ICI£t,JT OAT~ FOR cmolPARISDN.
)~9 1'50 •• •• •• •• •• • •• St1DV['f 1:1)""'l1'IOII5 OR TIM1Nf; I .. AOEOt""Tf: •
1960 ~.,oo .'!tI 1.93 4.1! IO.ts • DA'TA tfll'T USED 'TO ""II,E Cf)MPA1t1SO"lS OR
1961 '30onl\ .81 •• 'SA ".6'5 10."),! • IN CALt::UL~TION~ Of' M£Atj VAUJ~C;.
11t6? • .,on .15 1.40 1.11 2.93 •
1~63 n .00 .00 .00 .00 • _ .
~'T4 'TA~E~ -UT ~£S£HTL¥ HOT S~ARIZED
1964 lIS" .01 .16 .ll • 50 • IN TH16 FORM.
1965 4'9100 .21) 1.34 3.92 6.64 •
196~ 48AO .13 .79 I.l~ 2.04 •
IQ67 1560 .05 .29 .43 .56 • !;OIJPCE 1920~1954 (El(CEPT Ilf4q) RCF RECOQOC;
1968 250 .01 .07 .Ii' .20 • ANI') Rtl:)O~T~.
1969 2261n .27 3.32 5.57 12.29 •
1955~JQAl • 1949 FRY STREfo'" SURVEY DATA.
1Q70 854'51'1 .61 3.25 6.53 12.76 •
1971 12925 .54 2.96 4.10 7.42 •
1972 'n·· •• •• •• •• •
1973 I?·· •• •• •• •• •
1974 104471) ,.31, 11.66 17.79 41.69 •
B-21
Table 2. Percent of Tazimina River peak spawning ground index of sockeye
salmon documented in the Canyon-Falls area (river miles 8.5-
9.5) during the period 1967-1981.
Index Total Percent in
Year Date Canyon-Falls index Canyon-Falls
....
1967 14 Aug * 1,560 *
1968 12 Sep * 250 *
1969 5 Sep *** 22,61o!.l ***
. 1970 25 Aug 2,500 85,450 2.93
1.~71 2 Sep ** 12,925 **
1972 27 Sep **** **** ****
1973 28 Sep **** **** ****
"1974 5 Sep 5,470 104,470 5.24
1975 10 Aug 1,400 149,950 0.93
1976 23 Aug 245 16,200 1.49
1977 1 Sep 0 7,205 0
1978 23 Aug *** 146,900 ***
1979 6 Sep 13,500 503,750 2.68
1980 6 Sep 2,600 128,500 2.02
1981 6 Sep 220 28,215 0.78
Range 0-13,500 250-503,750 0-5.24
MEAN Arithmetic 3.242 92,922 2.01
Geometric 660 27,344 1. 75
n - 8 n -l3 n = 8
* No coverage of upper river as survey terminated after running out
of fish in lower reaches.
** Coverage mouth to falls but no breakdown by sections.
*** Fish distributed from mouth to falls but no breakdown by sections.
**** Survey too late to be representative.
Source: Dictabe1t and cassette tape records of stream surveys conducted
by P. H. Poe, 1967-1981.
1/ -Peak spawning ground index count is from 11 Aug. survey when fish
extended to 1 mile below falls; fish d1Stribution extended to falls
on 5 Sep.
8':"22""
Table 3. Kvichak River system sockeye salmDn subsistence information
(1) Kvichakescapement, (2) Kvichak system total subsistence
catch, (3) Total Kvichak subsistence catch as percent of total
Kvichak escapement, (4) Nondalton subsistence catch, and (5)
.. Nondalton subsistence catch as percent of total Kvichak
,~', . ","'. subsistence,ccatch, 1955 and 1963",:,1981.
·.C '
Year· (1) (2) ., (3) .(4) (5)
**** ******** ****** ***** .;***** *****
195~ 250,546 81,510 :32.53 ., 27,360 ' , , 33.57
1963 338,760 56,600 16.71 25,000 44.17
1964 957,120 79,000 .8.25 . 35,000 . 44.30
1965 24,325,926 69,500 .29 35,500 . , 51.08
1966 3,775,184 70,700 1.87 ,,45,800 64.78
1967 3,216,208 . 63,600 1.98 ·29,600 46.54
1968 2,557,440 68,600 2.68 33,700 ··49.13
1969 8,394,204 74,200 .88 ·44,000 59.30
1970 13,935,306 105,651 .76 ,42,880 40.59
1971 2,387,392 61,709 2.58 22,089 -35.80
'1972 1~010,oob 50 1l i.56 -4.97 "i4.,057 47 .. 96
1973 226,554 39,127 . 17.27 8,545 21.84
1974 4,433,480 98,015 2.21 29,509 30.11
1975 13,140,450 115,516 .88 48,704 42.16
1976 1,965,282 75,936 3.86 20,490 26.98
1977 1,341,144 71,940 5.36 27,175 37.77
1978 4,149,288 83,859 2.02 17,289 20.62
,1979 -11,218,434 65,520 .58 . 14,749 22.51
1980 22,505,268 72,556 .32 11,316 15.60
1981 1,754,358 75,554 4.31 15,153 20.06
·.Total. " 121,882,344 1,479,249 . 557,916
Mean 6,094,117 73,962 1.21* 27,896 37.72*
, ~ange 226 t 5?4 39,127 .29 8,545 15.60
"" ~-' ' . to to to to --to
24,325,926 115,516 ···-32.53 48,704 64.78
. ~-"
.. ,.,. ..: ~
.. r. " *---.. " .~,. .
Represents percent of cumulative totals.
Data Source 1955 and 1963-1964 FR! records
1965-1981 Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Dick Russell)
6-23
! ...
I,
l
.A" ~ ..
1:. LOMI11EJIi8 1-5 to 10 70
MIL ••
Fig. 1. Location of the Tazimina River system (shaded area) in the
Newha1en River-Lake Clark system of the Kvichak River system.
6-24
..
....
",
iii
RELATIONSHIP OF TAZIMINA RIVER SPAWNING GROUND
INDEX TO TOTAL KVICHAK ESCAPEMENT. 1955-19i
8-25
-10% line
RANGE 0 -4.49%
MEAN .80%
Fig. 3a. Tazimina River peak spawning ground indexes aSa'pereentage
of total Kvichak River system escapements, 1955-1981.
RANGE 0 -17.65%
MEAN 4.22%
Fig. 3b. Tazimina River peak spawning ground indexes as a percentage
of tota 1 index accounted for in Kvichak stream surveys,
1955-1981.
RANGE 0 -24.93%
-MEAN" 6,'16%-
Fig. 3c. Tazimina River peak spawning gr,oundjndexes as a percentage
of total index of Kvichak system stream spawning areas,
1955-1981.
8-26
"'"" ~, '" .... '" ::'<Otl : \-... ~
)(
LIJ
Cl
Z -
Cl
Z
:::l
0
~
t!)
2 -2
3: a:
0...
(f.)
...J a:
I-
0
I-
u..
0
-.)( ,
ILl· e
'2 "-..
a:::
c:r
2 -2: --,.."
a:
I-
M
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
, ; ..
4
2
TAZIMINA RIVER PEAK SPRWNINING GROUND INDEX AS!; OF TOTAL
ACCOUNTED FOR IN KVICHRK STREA~.SURVEYS. 1955-1981
I!l
./
MEAN PERCENT
4.22%
RANGE
0-17 .65
1~50 1955 1970 1975 1980 1985
YEaR OF STRERM SURVEY
Fig. 4. Tazimina River peilk"'5patlning ground indexes as a percentage
of total index accounted for in Kvichak system stream surveys,
<~C>':;':;,." ~'" ;';1955:'1981.';,: ·'"f':: '.:,','. -
6-27
ct.:I ::r: c:
UJ a::: t-
If.)
a:::
0
1.1..
X
~;
z .... ' !
..J c:
t-
0
t-
1.1..
0 1 ,
XI
UJ
c::J, z' ..... ..
'D::-
ci" z ..... ::r: ....
N c: t-
liIIt
TAlIMINA RIVER PEAK SPAWNING GRDUND INDEX AS % DF TDTAL
lNOEX OF KV1CHAK SYSTEM STREAM SPAWNING AREAS, 1955-1S81
so
28
:26
[!]
~4 -,
i
, 22 I /
I!l
20
;
18 [!]
l6
r
; r a 1!J ," ....
"
6
4
21
oL-
1950 1985
. ".: YEAg Qf eTRERI'1 SURVEY
Fig. 5. Tazimina River peak spawning ground indexes as a percentage
of total: .. index' :of-:Kvi.cnaksystemstream spawning areas,
1955-1981.··'~ ~~;:':;'l':_'~
. -' ~
8-28
JI!O"
'h ..
III!>-
0..'
•
..
..
..
..
TAZIMINA RIVER PEAK SPAWN1NG GROUND INDEX RS % OF TOTAL
INDEX OF 4 MAJOR RIVER SYSTEMS RDUTINELY SURVEYED. 1920-1981
50
U'J 45
J:
UJ
I-
~ 40
U'J
~
UJ > ....
~
~ o ..,
~ ..
LL.. 25 o
x
~ 20 z .... .
~ 15
" {)
'1920
,:: \
_ --' [!r~
. ,------#-,~.-. -----~-~
wI"" .~ ...... .-, -.",.. ....
; YEAR OF STREAM SURVEY
~~!c.; ·Y~ ", en t: -: '¥. ?8." t;· ;,. /f: ""f~' '": .A ~':~>'-1 (l,q
-i!'
~ .
. --
::.: . -= -
[!] ";:::. ...
~,
--I.
':'.: ... ,
-
:
"
-,
I!I
",
Y
t!l -..
[!]
MEAN PERCENT
13.38
RANGE 0-43.70
1980
,.~,":t ::-;'''\Fjg~ 6~·"';·:Taz:imjnaRiv.er .. peak spawning'ground indexes as a percentage
of total index of 4 major river systems routine1y surveyed,
1920-1981 (Copper, Gibra1tar,I1iamna and Tazimina River
systems). ,
3-29
C) -0
0
....J
x
LI.J
Cl
Z -
Cl z a:
a:::
LI.J
ID
~
::l :z:
:z:
0
%:
....J a:
(f)
LI.J >-
LLJ
~
U
0
(f)
10
5
2
10
5
10
5
KVICHAK RIVER SYSTEM TOTAL ESCAPEMENT AND TAlIMINA RIVER PEAK
SPAWNING GROUND lNDEX INFORMATION DURING THE PERIOD 1920-1981
• i I!l.,
. • I
,} -' ),
1925
(!)
1935 ., ,1945. c. )%5
YEAR
1965 1975 1985
~ YEAR VERSUS TAlRINDEX RANGE o -503,750
(!) YEAR VERSUS KVISESCAPE RANGE 226,554 -24,325,926
Fig. 7. Kvichak River total escapements and Tazimina River peak
spawning ground index information during the period 1920-1981.
8-30
-
""
APPENDIX C
~ ;7)
" <)
,'!'"'-j ,'-" ~
.:. T'. ,....
TC
l
r', .
,-
11
,sTUDY! Or f"jISrrjiAB'IJAT AS,~ELATED TO POTENTIA!:' IMPACTS
6fI: THE_ rAZIMINA' RUN-Of:::' niE~RIVE~-~HYDROELECTRIC CONCEPT " -~ . ~'c-" e." i:
, -
, ' by
','
~,
,J.
-Stephen T. Grabacki
________ ,, __ ,_"_ ,-,,",. ___ ._ ..... _0 __ ~,_~ ____ . __ -
-c-
-" ~ l
, -
FISH HABITAT STUDY AS RELATED TO POTENTIAL
IMPACTS OF THE TAZIMINA RUN-OF-THE-RIVER HYDROELECTRIC CONCEPT
One of the major fisheries-related issues of the Tazimina sub-regional
run-of-the-river concept is the local impact to grayling. Life stages that
could be affected include spawning adults, holding adults, incubating eggs
and fry, and rearing fry and juveniles. A field investigation was conducted
May 22-24, 1982 to help identify potential impacts.
The primary area 0 f interest was the 300-foot stretch 0 f river
immediately upstream of the falls (river mile 9.6). This area coincides
roughly with the river section that would be inundated behind a run-of-the-
river diversion structure. It is characterized by high velocity current and
large substrate (cobble and boulders). Pools, backwaters, slow water areas,
and gravel or sand substrates are almost non-existent. This means that
habitat for grayling holding, spawning or rearing is very limited. This type
of habitat persists for a total of at least 500 feet above the falls.
The gill nets used in this study were 6 x 30 feet with three 10-foot
panels of 1, 2, and 3-inch stretch mesh. Two gill nets were set from the
south shore of the study area in the slowest water available, and allowed to
soak overnight (approximately 18 hours). Two men operated an electrofisher
along the north shore for over 80 seconds of electric current flow at maximum
amperage. Five kick seine passes (3 x 8 feet net of 1/8-inch mesh) and 30
angler-minutes of hook-and-line (spinning gear) sampling were also performed
along the north shore.
No fish of any life stage of any species were captured in the sampling
efforts or sighted during surveys performed on foot and by helicopter. The
aerial survey continued upstream out of the study area: the first sighting
of a grayling occurred approximately one mile above the falls.
Hook-and-line sampling (30 angler-minutes; spinning gear) at the
Tazimina USGS gauge station (river mile 11.7) yielded three grayling: one
mature male that appeared to have spawned weeks previously, one immature
C-1
male, and one mature female. Based on theappe,arance of the mahure male
grayling and on the high water temperature (5° tJr 6°C), it may be that the
grayling in this part of the Tazimina had already spawned.
A female grayling captured from a school in the lower river released
eggs when handled~. Tht:ee lar9F schools (approximatel y 50 ,fish each) were
si.qp.te,Q'in the Newb:alen River off the mouth of the, Ta;;:imina.
Grayling of interior Alaska, (e.g~, Chena River) appear to move upstre~
out of their oYepwint,ering aress in the spring and follow the advaneing 411C
isotherm up riv~c to ~paWn. After $pa.wning, interior grayling raay or m<iY not
move som~what fUJ-lther Llp~traam to, SUlJll1lal' feeding a~flas.
It, is not cle~r if Tazill'lina Rivltl', grayling follow this pattern, It i6
possible that spawning and rearing above the falls contribute to the mainten.-:,
apoe of the stoc,ks below, the falls" If this is the case, the study site
should be examin,ed as a pOssible' sutiiRe,Il or fall, downstream migration cot'"ridor
(o'v'er the falls) for grayling, juv~niles, or adults,.
In summary, it ~pears that th~ Ta,Zimina River immediately upstream from
t,he proposed run-of: ... the..,.r.ivel' dam site contains very limited' grayling
spawn~nq" rearing", and holding habitat and that it receiveS limited use by
grayling during late May. However, the ather fisheries-related iss~s should
be considered.
C-2
-
....
..
-
55 Hl~tz -co~.3
?)~i~ i
N4\1.tJr cr...J ~~ V~\"t S
Plate 1
NATURAL RESOURCE VALUES
& USE PATTERNS
IN THE BRISTOL BAY REGION
EXPLANATION OF MAP SYMBOLS
~ MULCHATNA CARIBOU HERD ~ Summer & Winter Range
~ ALASKA PENINSULA CARIBOU HERD
~ Winter Range o HIGH DENSITY MOOSE o HIGH DENSITY BROWN BEAR o MODERATE TO HIGH DENSITY WATERFOWL
~ LOCAL HUNTING, FISHING & TRAPPING AREAS
~ FISHING OR HUNTING RESORT
...... ,....--...... WILDERNESS FLOAT TRIPS
APPENDIX H
NEWHALEN SMOL T AND FRY STUDIES
o
o
c
o
o
BRISTOL BAY REGIONAL POWER PLAN
NEWHALEN SMOLT AND FRY STUDIES
Prepared for
Alaska Power Authority
l July 1982
Dames & Moore
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ~ • • • • •• 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 2
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Net Sampling
Analytical Procedures (Nets and Trap) •
Acoustical Sampling •
Gear Limitations
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ••
Spacial Distribution
Temporal Distribution
Enumeration • • • • • •
Other Fish Observations •
CONCLUSIONS
• • Ii
3
5
12
15
18
20
20
27
31
32
34
REFERENCES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 37
-i-
LI ST OF FIGURES
Figure
1 -The Kvichak River System Showing the Location
of Newhalen RM7 Study Site • • • •
2 -Cross Section of Newhalen RM7 with Water Levels
for 10 May, 2 June, and 11 June 1981 ••••••
3 -Cross Section of Newhalen RM7 Showing Locations
of Shore Nets and Cable System Net Stations -
o to 5 with Two Water Levels • • • • • • • • • •
4 -Overhead View of RM-7 Study Site Showing Relative
Positions of Gear Type • • • ••••
5 -Block Diagram of the Primary Acoustic Sampling
System Used at RM-7, Newhalen River" 1982
6 -Relative Horizontal Distribution of Outmigrating
Sockeye Smolts Indicated from Net Sampling RM7
from 10 May through 5 June • • • • • • • ••••
7 -Sockeye Smolt Vertical Distribution (percent)
with Depth and Time • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
8 -Relative Horizontal Distribution of Outmigrating
Sockeye Fry Indicated from Net Sampling RM7 from
4
6
7
10
16
21
24
23 May through 16 June • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • •• 26
9 -Estimated Daily Sockeye Smolt Catch RM7 on
the Newhalen River, 1982 •••••••
10 -Estimated Daily Sockeye Fry Catch with the
Inclined Plane Trap, RM7, Newhalen River, 1982
-ii-
28
30
INTRODUCTION
As a modification to Dames &: Moore's involvement in the Bristol Bay
Feasibil ity Assessment, we were requested by Stone &: Webster Engineering
Corporation to prepare a study plan to define the spacial distribution of
sockeye outmigrants at River Mile (RM)-7 on the Newhalen River. Sockeye fry
and smoH information was required for interim feasib ity analyses of a
proposed run-o f-the-r i ver hydroelectric project that would remove water at
about RM-7. The study reported herein was required because no relevant field
information existed about this part of this river system.
Since relevant information was lacking on the Newhalen River, Dames &:
Moore sought the assistance of Patrick ,Poe, Fisheries Research Institute,
University of ~/ashington. Based upon his experience further upstream in
prior years, Mr. Poe provided a best estimate of smolt and fry movement. The
field sampling period was determined on the basis of this estimate.
Dames &: Moore was later requested to attempt some enumeration of the
sockeye fry and smoH outmigration past RM-7. \vhile this parameter was
secondary to the sampling design set for spacial distribution of smolt and
fry, the spring 1982 data do prov ide approximations 0 f the sockeye out-
migration for the period of sampling.
A more detailed report of this spring 1982 fisheries study on the
Newhalen River will be submitted in August 1982.
-1-
ACKNmlLEDGEMENTS
Financial support by the Alaska Power Authority (APA) through stone &
I'/ebster Engineering Corporation, APA' s prime contractor, made this study
feasible. Dames & Moore is also indebted to many other individuals and
organizations for their assistance in this effort.
Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) at the University of Washington
provided input and field labor. Prior work by Richard Tyler and Asko
Hamalainen provided the major design for the mobile (cabled) fyke net
system used at Rt~-7. Robert Donnelly and Patrick Poe of FRI assisted in
modifying these past designs to fit the RM-7 situation. On very short
notice, Warner Lew and Ward Johnson agre~d to participate and subsequently
spent the entire 7-week field period on site. BioSonics, Inc. (Seattle)
constructed and rented sonar equipment for this study on 30-days notice,
allowing the acoustic effort to be made as a part of the spring 1982 study.
Also on short notice, Eastside Net Shop (Bothell, \~ashington) provided the
required sampling nets. Ed Nunnallee, National Marine Fisheries Serv ice,
generously loaned a 4-channel AM tape recorder and blank tapes to record
acoustic results.
Field support in the Iliamna vicinity was provided by Trans Alaska
Helicopters Inc. (helicopter charter) and Iliamna Air Taxi (room, board,
and fixed-wing plane service). In addition, numerous local people provided a
variety of support equipment or services. FRI' s equipment base in Iliamna
and Porcupine Island pro v ided much needed equipment (at no cost) without
which mid-course changes in field emphasis would not have been possible. A
special thanks is due to Dick Parent, a Dames & Moore field engineer, who
participated in mobilization of the sampling gear and camp facilities.
-2-
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A brief field trip by two biologists in April 1982 was completed to
evaluate the RM-7 site and finalize gear designs to sample in spring 1982.
At the time of this trip and into the actual field period (May and June),
only general intake concepts existed relative to actual location and design.
The finalized sampling site (Figure 1) was actually located at about RM-7.2
since rapids and dangerous falls downstream precluded work at RM-7 itsel f.
The generally straight and continuous river channel from the sample site down
to RM-7 permits extrapolation to yield data for RM-7 if final design calls
for the intake to be placed at the latter location.
The study design took into consideration only those water conditions and
associated fish outmigrations in 1982 and cannot address other more wet
and/or higher water years. The completed studies also cannot represent
significant seasonal changes to the 1982 condition that would be created
by project withdrawals at RM-7. While water levels were lower than average
in spring 1982, they are representative and may present a worst-case scenario
in terms of the smaller transportation corridor available to sockeye out-
migrants past RM-7.
Based upon limited information, a field period was initially selected
from May 3 to June 11, 1982 (6 weeks). Due to the numbers of fry being taken
near the end of the original period, another week of field activity was
negotiated and completed. Demobilization was completed on June 18.
The original sampling scheme called for an emphasis on acoustic (sonar)
data with net sampling as backup and confirmation. Gear requirements and
field crew sizes were determined on this basis. For reasons discussed later,
site conditions were not fully conducive to sonar detection of fish the size
of smolt (80 to 100 mm) or the smaller fry. A decision was made in the field
(first 2 weeks) to reverse the study emphasis and use sonar as a backup to
net sampling.
-3-
~ -SIX-MIL.£ LAKE,
FRI NEWHAlEN R. .
ENUMERATION SITE
NEWHALEN RM7
STUDY SITE
KILOMETERS 9 10 20
Job No. 12023-009-20
o 5 10
The Kvichak River System
Showing the Location of
Newhalen RM7 Study Site
MILES
Dames & Moore
Figure 1
NET SAt,1PLING
side
with
nets,
June
A field camp was located on the east bank (or the Iliamna Airport
of the river).
several unique
fish sampling
17, 1982. The
An intensive net sampling effort ·was made at RH-7.2
approaches. After 1 week of field experiments with
with nets commenced on May 19 and continued through
sampling was designed to provide the bulk of the data
the horizontal and vertical distribution of sockeye
outmigrants as well as to support acoustic observations.
used to determine
The final net sampling scheme involved three net types: a cable-
operated wingless fyke net, shore-mounted wingless fyke nets, and an inclined
plane trap. Sampling was· completed on a rising river that dramatically
changed the RH-7 cross section as the field period progressed (Figure 2).
The cabled net system was the most complex system used. A cable
(7/16-inch steel) was strung from east to west banks (approximately 712
feet), and an adjustable tower (15-to 25-foot) was placed on a gravel bar
extending from the west bank to mid-river to support the cable (Figure 3).
Nets of two sizes were used in sampling -at different times. A 4x8-foot net
(3/10-inch knotless nylon-square measure* and 16.5 feet long) was fished from
fvlay 14 through June 12, 1982 with a focus on sockeye smolt expected to peak
in that period. A 3x9-foot net with 1/8-inch knotless nylon was fished from
June 14 through 16, 1982 with a focus on sockeye fry in the time remaining
during the sampling period. Both nets had floating live cars (connected to
the net via a 7-foot length of 6-inch hose) to facilitate fish removal and
reduce net mortality. Both nets were fished vertically or with the long axis
of the net perpendicular to the water's surface.
Six stations labeled 0 through 5 were selected along the cable length
behveen the east bank camp and the mid-river tower located about 360 feet
from the east bank (Figure 3). These stations were located 45, 80, 115, 225,
*Note: All mesh values reported are square measurement.
-5-
5.00
4.50
4.00 , ,
3·50 "
-
-3.00 "
, ,
2.50
2.00
1.50 :'
1. 00
.50
:r: 0
r-.50 a... w LOa 0
l!.J 1.50 >
r-2.00
IT 2·50 --.J w
0:::: 3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.00
5·50
6.00
6.50
+------Tota 1 of Cross Section Distance -712ft
Approximately 10,900 cfs
USGS equivalent 3.83ft
Water level 11 June _ _ .. ----_ .. _. --_ .. -... --_.-
, , , ,-
\ . ' ,
\ , ,
" ; ,
5.00
4.50
4.00
3.50
3.00
2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00 .
.50
o
.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.00
5.50
6.00
6.50
7.00 7.00
020 80 140 200 260 320 380 440 500 560 620 680 740
OISTRNCE FROM RIGHT BRNK (WEST)
NOTE: Vertical scale exaggerated.
Job No. 12023-009-20
Cross Section of Newhalen RM7
with Water Levels for 10 May,
2 June and 11 June 1982
Dames & Moore
Figur0 2
w
u z
<C
I-c.n ......
Cl
W :;::-......
I-
<C
....J
W
0:::
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22 SPRUCE SUSPENDED
20 TREE 7/16 11 CABLE
18 I
16
14
12
10 -~360ft-
B
TRIPOD
TOWER
.......
-~360ft-
4 4
LOCATIONS OF NET
SAMPLING STATIONS
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2 o
2
6
4
2 o
2
4
6
8
1 0 L..W...i..LL.L.L.LL.L.L.
4
6
8 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10
o 20 80 140 200 260 320 380 440 500 560 620 680 740
DISTANCE FROM RIGHT BRNK (hIESTJ (FTJ
NOTE: Vertical scale exaggerated; water levels on 10 May and 2 June shown.
Cross Section of Newhalen RM7 Showing
Locations of Shore Nets and
Cable System Net Stations -0 to 5
with Two Water Levels
Job No. 12023-009-20
Dames & Moore
and 275 feet, respectively, from the east bank. Equal spacing between
stations was desired but existing bottom conditions determined the final
station locations.
Of the six stations on the cabled fyke net system, two were deleted
after limited sampling: Station 0 (near the east bank) was deleted from
random sampling after a wingless fyke net (shore-mounted) was placed upstream
of the cable area. Station 5 (near the tower and west bank) was deleted
after insignificant catches were made. A wingless fyke net was also used to
sample upstream and closer to the west shore than Station 5.
To define the horizontal distribution of sockeye smolt, the 4x8-foot
net was fished at all stations (0 through 5) for 10 nights on a random
basis (die roll) during peak hours of outmigration (2200 to 0300 hours). On
4 nights in June, Station 2 (mid-channel and high station for smolt catches)
was subdivided into three substations (2E, 2C, and 2W). Station 2C was the
standard Station 2 location, wh 2E and 2W were east and west 0 f 2C by 10
feet. Random sampling at these substations of Station 2 provided some detail
on horizontal distribution in this high smolt density area and a measure of
in-site variability. On remaining nights, the 4xS-foot net was fished
continuously at station 2, providing an index for determining the seasonal
and diel migration patterns (when compared to downstream mid-channel inclined
plane trap catches) and in the enumeration of the smolt outmigration.
Shore-mounted and anchored wingless fyke nets comprised the second
gear type used on site. As many as two nearshore fyke nets were fished
near the east and west banks wi th the major it y 0 f attention to the camp
or east bank. From May 23 to June 7, a 4x4-foot wingless fyke net (1/S-inch
knotless nylon and 1S feet lang) with live car was fished continuously on the
east bank just inshore of the Station 0 cable position. For a brief period,
a 3x3-foot net of the same net size and 13 feet long and with a live car
fished on the shore (and inshore 0 f the 4x4-foot net). On the west bank
(tower on gravel bar), an old 4x4-foot fyke net of 1/4-and 1/S-inch mesh net
with a live car was fished for 13 nights. After the gravel bar was flooded
-S-
(June 6) by high Newhalen River flows, a second net (the 3x3-foot fyke net
with live car) was moved from the east bank to the flooded gravel bar on the
west bank and the old 4x4-foot fyke net was removed from operation at RM-7.
The third gear type included an inclined-plane trap (opening 18 inches
deep, 30 inches wide), which was deployed off two temporary docks and fished
upstream of the cable but about at the Station D location from May 10 to May
16. From ~1ay 17 to June 5, this trap was fished downstream of the cable and
in mid-channel (about at the Station 2 location). This gear was sunk in a
June 5 storm and could not be replaced due to high river velocities and
Increased danger to personnel maintaining the gear.
The first gear type, the cabled ne,t, was moved on most days it was
used. The other gear t ypes--shore fyke nets and inclined-plane trap--were
generally fished at one location until conditions (i.e., water depth and/or
velocity) forced them to be moved or in some cases removed. Figure 4
indicates the relative location of gear types as they were finally set in the
spring studies.
To summarize, the following gear types and locations were fished in the
spring 1982 studies at RM-7:
Number of
Gear Type Dates Fished Observations*
4x8-foot cabled net 5/14 to 6/14 258
3x9-foot cabled net 6/14 to 6/16 21
4x4-foot new fyke net (4x4 E) 5/17 to 6/17 245
3x3-foot fyke net Ox3 E) 5/18 to 6/6 130
3x3-foot fyke net Ox3 vI) 6/7 to 6/18 36
4x4-foot old fyke net (4x4 W) 5/23 to 6/11 41
Inclined-plane trap 5/11 to 6/5 212
*Times between observations ranged from D.5-hour to multiple hours, depending
on gear type, concentrations of smolt or fry in the river, and access to the
sample site.
-9-
..
I
-~
Gravel Bar
. 3X31J
~placed after .
. ba r was floodeq)
Cable
...
NOTE: Scale is as shown in Figure 3;
River Flow
1
Newhalen River
o
Inclined-plane Trap
.cabled Fyke net is shown on Station 3.
Overhead View of RM-7 Study Site
Showing Relative Positions of Gear Type.
Job No. 12023-009-20
Dames & Moore
Figure 4
After conditions forced the inclined-plane trap out of the mid-channel
RM-7 location, it was placed for 4 days at the end of the sampling period in
the lm'ler staff gauge position (RM-1.7) on the Tazimina River. This effort
was to verify a source of Newhalen River fry. In addition, the old 4x4-foot
fyke net with live car was placed for 4 days just below the outlet of Lake
Clark (east bank) where the Newhalen River begins. This effort was to see
if smolt or fry were moving from Lake Clark to the Newhalen River. 80th
activities were beyond the scope of RM-7 studies and were done only with gear
types no longer suited to RM-7 sampling.
Several parameters in addition to catch data for all species (including
incidental resident fish) were recorded during index hours and throughout the
day, as possible. These parameters included: (1) water and air temperatures
(mean, minimum, and maximum every 4 hours in a Data Pod Model DP2321), (2)
water level on a loaned USGS staff gauge, and (3) general weather conditions.
Fish processing consisted of species separation and counting with
selected sockeye subsamples taken for length frequency measurements. As
requested by Alaska Department of Fish and Game, scale samples with length
and weight measurements were taken from-selected sockeye smol t at varying
times during their outmigration. Scales were field-mounted on slides. Fry
and smolt mortalities were preserved in buffered 10 percent formalin for
possible future evaluation of smolt otoliths and other parameters.
Net catch data analyses included an evaluation of the proportion
of catches along the cable's axis to determine the horizontal distribution
of smolt in the river. Horizontal distribution of fry was determined
from the limited use of the smaller mesh 3x9-foot net on the cable as
well as catches from the fixed gear types (shore fyke nets and inclined-
plane trap).
The literature indicates diel changes in the seasonal migration pattern
are likely. These changes could influence both horizontal and vertical
positions of fry and smolt. Proportional catch rates for May and June
were compared with appropriate diel migration rates. Vertical smol t
-11-
definitions were aided by comparing data on inclined-plane trap catches
with 4xB-foot cabled net catches at Station 2.
ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES (NETS AND TR~P)
Extrapolation was required in net and trap catch results to attempt
smolt and fry distribution and enumeration. These procedures are described
below.
A similar method for calculating the horizontal distribution of smolt
and fr y was used. The horizontal distribution calculated was then used in
the enumeration effort.
A daily index, Iik' was defined as the number of sockeye migrants
(smolt or fry) passing through a 4-foot width at Station 2 during the
peak index hours (2200 to 0300 hours). This index is taken directly from
catch results in the 4x8-foot net for smolt or the inclined-plane trap for
fry where the catches for the index hours exist. An estimated daily index,
t:,.
Iik' was used for days or hours of days when catch data for smolt or
fry were lacking. This process of calculation is discussed separately
for smolt and fry.
Catches at randomly selected stations, Cijk (catch at Station i
during Hour j in Day k), are compared with the daily index, either Iik
t:,.
or Iik' to arrive at the relative horizontal proportion, Qi (the propor-
tion of catch and hence fish density at Station i relative to Station 2):
n m n t:,.
Q. = L: L: Cijk / L (1 2k + I2~' where
1
k=1 j=1 k=1
n = number of days 0 f observations
m = number of observations made on each day
-12-
It is assumed with the above model that there are no seasonal or
diel trends in horizontal distribution. Later evaluations in the more
detailed report may try to correct for such trends.
. t. s
Smolt: A method for estimating a smolt index, I ik, was required
on nights 0 f random sampling where real catches for the full index period
did not exist. A close relationship between the inclined-plane trap and
the 4x8-foot net smolt catches (both at about Station 2) was found and
can be described as follows:
1 s
0.176 15k , where I represents the inclined-plane trap catch.
t:.. s
The appropriate expected Station 2. catches, C 2jk' were then summed
and divided into the sum of actual catches at alternately randomly sampled
stations for all available data points:
n
Q. = E 1
k=1
n t:..s
C. 'k / E C2 "1 IJ J <
k=1
Qi was taken as the density of fish at Station 1 relative to
Station 2.
The enumeration of smolt for the sampling period at RM-7 required even
further extrapolations to expand values from an index value to total daily
outmigrating smolt. To achieve this enumeration a coefficient of expansion
for each station was determined by multiplying the station's Q~ by
1
the total river cross section taken to be represented by that station. These
were summed and multiplied by the sum of the daily index. Daytime catches
were expanded for Station 2 onl y, and for the entire river during a 6-day
period (May 21/22 to 26/27*) of significant daytime catches near Station 0
(in the 4x4 E fyke net). For example, the expansion coefficient for Station
2 was 11.875, which represents the ratio 0 f the width that Station 2 was
taken to represent to the width of area sampled (4-feet).
*The indicated 2-day date is to denote smolt catches that occurred from
late evening of the first day to early morning of the following day.
-13-
The dail y index, I fk' for fr y was a total dail y catch in the
inclined-plane trap at about station 2. The relative horizontal distri-
bution, Q~, was determined using data gathered during the period
1
Hay 23/24 through June 4/5. During this time continuous daily catches are
available for all sites fished for fry (inclined-plane trap, and fyke
nets: 3x3E, 4x4E, and 4x4W). Daily ratios were compared for each site
for each day. A visual comparison of these ratios showed a reasonable
correlation and no significant seasonal trend. The weighted average of
the proportion of fry catches at each station to Station 2 (inclined-
plane trap catches) was computed and taken to be a close approximation
F of 0i'
The enumeration of fry required the expansion of daily index catch
values. Catch rates, Q~ for Stations 1,3,4, and 5 (without real
1
fry data), were determined from the following linear regression model for
catch rates in relation to water velocities. This relationship was deter-
mined from catch rates and near-surface water velocities for the three fyke
nets and the inclined-plane trap:
Yx = 0.31 + 0.30 (X-5.93) where,
Yx is the expected catch at a velocity x in fps relative to the
index catch
Catch rates were multiplied by appropriate cross-areas represented by
each station (including east and west banks) and were summed. The resulting
coefficient, 41.6, was then multiplied by the accumulative index catch for an
approximation of the fry outmigration for the period sampled.
It must be noted that the data base was limited. More real catches
and more replicates of catches were necessary to complete enumeration
without substantial extrapolation and assumptions. As indicated, the
study design was oriented to spacial distribution of sockeye fry and smoH
and not enumeration. As a result, confidence intervals cannot be accurately
calculated for the enumerations made.
-14-
other Analyses: Vertical distributions of smoH and fry were made
by comparing gear types sampling at similar times at different depth strata.
For example, catches of smolt in the 4xB-foot net at Station 2 were compared
with inclined-plane trap catches downstream at about the same location but
offset of Station 2.
Unfortunatel y, gear could not be developed to sample concurrently at
a river station to prov ide a more refined vertical distribution picture.
In the case of smoH, acoustical sampling aided the vertical definition
of RM-7.
ACOUSTICAL SAMPLING
The hydroacoustic data-acquisition system consisted of a 420-kHz
transceiver, an B-channel multiplexer, a strip-chart recorder, and five
transducers (rented from BioSonics Inc., Seattle). Ancillary gear included a
4-channel Atv! reel-to-reel tape recorder and an oscilloscope from National
Marine Fisheries Service and the University of Washington, respectively.
Figure 5 is a block diagram of the system.
The BioSonics Model 101 Scientific Sounder was chosen for its flexi-
bility and high quality. Some special features that made it suited to the
marginal site conditions for juvenile fish assessment included:
(1) a digitally controlled 40 log R time-varied gain accurate to
+0.5 dB
(2) linear amplification at all gain settings
(3) an excellent noise figure
(4) an internal calibration circuit
(5) transmit power variable from 50 to 500 W in 3 dB steps
(6) receiver gear variable over a range of 42 dB in 6 dB steps
(7) a selectable transmit pulse length from 0.1 to 9.9 msec in 0.1 msec
steps.
A range of transducers was used, all having very low transmitting
and receiving sensitivities at angles beyond the main lobe of the acoustic
beam. Beam widths of transducers used were 2, 6, and 15 degrees.
-15-
REEL TO REEL
AM RECORDER
BIOSONICS MODEL 101
TRANSCEIVER CHART RECORDER
\BI' '---I: 0: 0 :: ~ ••• 1-----1 .1
DOD 0 .1
• It • •
mrumm
BIOSONICS
MULTIPLEXER
c:::::J CJ .
TRANSDUCERS
Block Diagram of the Primary Acoustic Sampling System
Used at RM-7, Newhalen River, 1982
Dames & Moore
Job No. 12023-009-20 Figure 5
The chart recorder was the primary nonhuman signal-processing instrument
used for the study. Acoustic features were displayed on paper (echograms) as
they were received. The primary functions of the tape recorder were to store
acoustic returns in the event of a chart recorder fail ure and to provide a
permanent record of the data. Recorded acoustic returns can be played back
into a chart recorder or other signal processing instruments for display or
additional processing and analysis.
Smolt were detected as they passed through acoustically sampled volumes
of water. ~'lounted just below the surface in the main channel (Station 2)
were two horizontally aimed 2° transducers and one vertically aimed 6°
transducer. Also at Station 2 was a bottom-mounted vertically aimed 15°
transducer. Mounted on the east bank was a horizontally aimed 2° transducer.
Sampling began on May 13 and continued through June 11. Observations were
made mainly at night, but daytime sampling was also carried out. More
frequent daytime observations were made during the peak of the smolt migra-
tion. Reverberation levels varied Rt1-7 with increasing flow and were
marginal for smolt detection. In late May values ranged from -50 to -53 dB
while in June these values ranged from -54 to -58 dB.
All pertinent information was recorded on data forms and included:
date, time at beginning and duration of sample sequence, multiplexer port,
receiver gain, blanking distance, range, transmit power, band width, pulse
length, mark threshold, taping parameters, reverberation level, target
strength, water level, and weather. About 30 hours of acoustic returns were
recorded on high bias tape.
All of the acoustic data presented in this report were taken from
the echograms of the chart recorder. The system components and operating
parameters allowed most smolt to be resolved as individuals (with only a
few exceptions); thus, a constant (time-variant) detection threshold could be
used.
In anal yses, only traces on the chart records greater than 1 milli-
meter in length and well defined were used in the analysis The trace was
-1
recorded in millimeters to its midpoint to determine its range. Traces
that indicated multiple detections were few and were treated separately
in the analysis.
In determining the relative vertical distribution of smolt, the fre-
quency of detections was divided by the range to account for the increase in
sample volume with increasing range. This value was then treated as a
measure of the relative density for the given range. Hourly average fish
depths were calculated.
Acoustic feasibility at RM-12 on the Newhalen River was investigated
on t-1ay 15. Lower velocities and greater depth at this location as compared
to RM-7 provide better conditions in cert~in respects for acoustic sampling.
Reverberation levels were approximatel y -70 dB with a 2° transducer, well
below average smolt target strengths.
On Hay 30, a visit was made to Alaska Department of Fish and Game's
(ADFG) acoustic smolt enumeration project site on the Kvichak River. On
hand was ADFG Director of Research for Bristol Bay, Charles t-1eacham, and
Bendix acoustics engineer Al Menin. With an oscilloscope linked to the
counter, the vertical distribution could be observed at three points in
the river's cross section. A Dames & tv100re aide remained on the site for
two consecutive nights and some very useful information was gathered.
GEAR LIMITATIONS
Each gear type had some limitations. All net gear types had associ-
ated avoidance problems. The assumption was made that 4-foot net openings in
slow and faster velocity waters compensated for smolt and fry avoidance both
by permitting the fish to move and miss the net opening or to move and enter
the net. The 3-foot net opening was likely avoided to some degree near shore
in slower velocities and was expected to be as efficient as the 4-foot
opening where velocities were higher in mid-channel.
-18-
The 4xB-foot net of 3/10-inch knotless nylon did not retain most
fry entering the net opening and was not efficient in fry sampling, espec-
ially in higher velocity, mid-channel areas. The 3x9-foot net of 1/8-inch
knotless nylon was nearly as efficient as the inclined-plane trap at night,
al though some fry were lost through this net's mesh. The shore-based fyke
nets in lower velocity periods were very efficient in terms of fry capture
and less efficient in capturing smalL The large openings and darkness
likely allowed most smolt to enter these nets and remain there. No estimates
of the percentage loss of smolt or fry from any net type were obtained from
the data collected.
The inclined-plane trap's sampling efficiency declined proportionally
with increasing light and amounts of gebris plugging the inclined-plane
screens. Routine cleaning of debris mitigated the latter problem. Avoidance
by smolt (not fry) was substantial near the water's surface, where more light
was encountered. However, catches in an upstream 4xB-foot fyke net indicated
that smolt moved deeper in the water column during periods of more light,
further compounding evaluations of this trap's efficiency.
Debris, increasing water velocities; and changing river channel config-
urations on the west bank contributed to the gear limitations experienced at
RI'-1-7. At the time of demobilization, river velocities were approaching the
maximum velocities under which a safety factor of 2 for cable strength could
be retained; that is, strains of 2 to 4 tons were being placed on the 7/16-
inch cable. Nets and net frames were also approaching their design capacity
in water velocities approaching 8 feet per second (fps).
Acoustical sampling limitations were mainly centered around the shallow
cross section of the Newhalen River near the proposed intake site. All of
these site conditions contributed to much higher acoustic reverberation than
anticipated. Even with the high flexibility of the acoustic gear used, this
reverberation limited acoustic sampling to most smolt, but not to fry.
-19-
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In the period May 10/11 to June 17/18, 1982, Dames & Moore assisted
by FRI, completed over 940 observations of sockeye smolt and fry catches
in the three gear types fished at RM-7. In this period, 9,726 smolt and
42,773 fry \'iere captured and enumerated. Of these fish, several thousand
smolt and fry were additionally processed for length-frequency data and
about 600 smolt were processed for scales, length, and weight. Several
hundred smolt and fry were labeled and preserved. All smolt and fry samples
are available to ADFG from FRI. Detailed catch records (including length-
frequency data, physical data, water/air temperatures, river gauge heights,
and general climatic conditions) will be appended to the final report on the
spring 1982 effort prepared by Dames & Moore.
Limited observations at the end of the sampling period (June 15 thro~gh
18) indicated large numbers of smaller sockeye fry were still migrating past
RM-1 .7 on the Tazimina River. In addition, a few fry, one-third of which
were large (40 to 42 mm), were observed moving along the east bank of the
Newhalen River near its origin. The larger size of some of the fry taken in
the Newhalen River would indicate they 'had completed some rearing in Lake
Clark before moving into the Newhalen River. The destination of the Tazimina
fry is presumed to be past RM-7 and into Lake Iliamna. The destination of
the smaller numbers a f presumed Lake Clark fry is unknown. Some 0 f these
larger fry were recovered in small numbers at RM-7 downstream during the
spring 1982 sampling period.
As noted in earlier report figures, the Newhalen RM-7 site was under-
going dramatic increasing flow changes during the stu,dy period. Additional
features included the changing amount of light along with generally
increasing air and water temperatures. The RM-7 site was thus not a static
sampling situation but one of a very dynamic nature.
SPACIAL DISTRIBUTION
Smolt: Figure 6 illustrates the relative proportion of smolts in the
horizontal cross section at RH-7 as determined from net sampling. As shown,
-20-
I-
Ll...
w
u z
e:(
l-
t/)
I-<
0
w
>
I-<
l-
e:(
....J
W a:
50
48
46'
44
42,
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
B
6
4
2
0
2
4
6
8
10 a 20
Station 2
115ft Off East Bank
80 140 200 260 320 380 440 500 560 620 680 740
DISTRNCE FROM RIGHT BRNK (WEST) (FTJ
NOTE: Vertical bars approximate 4ft strata of different sampling
stations and water levels on 10 May and 2 June shown.
1.0
.9
.8
.7
.6
.5
.4
.3
.2
. 1
a
Relative Horizontal Distribution of Outmigrating Sockeye
Smolts Indicated from Net Sampling RM7
from 10 May through 5 June
;:0 m ,....
)::>
-l ......
<: m
"'I:l
;:0
0 -" 0
;:0
-l ......
0 ::z
0
."
VI
3:
0 ,....
-l
VI
Dames & Moore
Job No. 12023-009-20 Figure 6
sockeye smolt were highly concentrated in the mid-river channel in an area of
greatest depth and velocity. In these calculations, over 84 percent of the
smolt were estimated to migrate down a 95-foot width of river represented by
Station 2 catches. Factors influencing sockeye smolt spacial and temporal
distribution include temperature, light, precipitation, and currents. At
RM-7, smolt distribution seems primarily dependent on current and light,
though other factors cannot be ruled out.
A random subset of Station 2 (2E, 10 feet east of Station 2; 2W, 10 feet
west of Station 2; and 2C, on the original station) on 4 nights was made in
June in an attempt to detail the Station 2 area of high smolt concentration.
Numbers caught at these three subsets were compared with diel patterns for
June. Consistently higher smolt catches were observed at station 2W as
compared to Station 2C and 2E. In-site variability between Stations 2C and
2E was great. The general conclusion, based upon this limited experience and
the catch gradient depicted in Figure 6 (which favors the west bank), is that
more sockeye smol t were moving in a narrowly defined area somewhat to the
west of the actual station 2 location. It is anticipated that catches at
Station 3 (Figure 6) would have been higher than observed if the area of
smolt concentration was much further west' than Station 2W.
Horizontal smolt distribution information from acoustic sampling is
limited and was not required to better define the patterns illustrated by
net sampling.
Vertical smolt distribution was determined both by comparing catches
obtained by gear types sampling different depth strata at or near the
same time as well as by upward and downward looking sonar. Smolt catches
indicate a change in water depth with light so that vertical distribution
varies over a 24-hour period. Comparing Station 2 catches of the inclined-
plane trap (sampling only about 18 inches on the surface) with the 4x8-foot
net (sampling the full water column) indicates that for each gear type, the
number of smolt captured per unit of cross sectional area was approximately
equal. This is interpreted to mean that all smolt are not within the upper
18 inches of the wafer column in peak hour migrations.
-22-
Acoustic sampling of smolt in the mid-channel area (during the period
June 6 to 11) indicated that about one-third of the smolt traces were in the
upper 18-inch area fished by the inclined-plane trap from 0000 to 0200 hours.
As indicated in Figure 7, acoustic results indicate that few fish were taken
immediately below this area (18 to 26 inches) while the larger numbers of
smolt were taken in an area from 26 inches to just above the bottom. These
acoustic results generally reflect the net and inclined-plane trap compar-
ison. It should be noted that larger smolt may in fact dominate the acoustic
sampling effort due to their size and the existing site reverberation condi-
tions. Therefore, a possible bias may exist in the vertical distributions
displayed in Figure 7.
Observations made at the ADFG smolt enumeration site on the Kvichak
River lend support to general conclusions drawn from the acoustic survey
at RM-7. The diel vertical distribution of smol t on their outmigration
was closely timed to light, with appreciable numbers at or near the surface
occurring only at night. The area of maximum density appeared to always
remain at an intermediate depth (approximately 5 to 6 feet), while the
tendency to avoid the area in between these areas was also observed.
Diel and seasonal patterns in the horizontal position of smolt is
apparent in both catch records and acoustic sampling. Smolt showed a
noticeable preference for migrating at night. Comparison of net and
inclined-plane catches indicate that smolt are in higher numbers nearer
the sur face from midnight (0000 hours) for about 2 hours. A 1-hour peak
shift was noted between May and June 4x8-foot net catches (0000 hours in
~1ay and 0100 hours in June). The data appear to support a seasonal and
light-related shift; June 4x8-foot net catches peak more sharply in the
index period as compared to t~ay 4x8-foot net catches.
Another diel pattern was noted when peak May catches of smolt in
Station 2 (4x8-foot net) catches were compared with Station a (4x4E net)
catches. An inverse relationship 0 f smolt abundance was observed. Station
0' s major peak was at 2200 hours and declined sharply by midnight (0000
hours) while the number of Station 2 catches increased from low values at
-23-
c:...
0
0"
Z
0
......
I\)
0
I\)
C,.)
I
0
0
(0
I
I\)
0
.,
III
3 .,
." III AD 10
C ....
(I)
a:: o o
"'.J ;
2
6
10
14 -(/)
Q) 18 ..r::. u c: -22
..r::. ..... c. 26 Q)
Cl
30
34
38
42
2200 to
0000 hrs.
I
•
•
I
I
•
• -
•
Time
0000 to 0100 to 0200 to 0300 to
0100 hrs. 0200 hrs. 0300 hrs. 0400 hrs.
• -• -• -I -• • •
• -I •
• • •
I • -• -I
--• - --
NOTE: Data from upward looking 15° transducer, at about Station 2,
June G to 11 combined .
Sockeye Smolt Vertical Distribution (percent) with Depth and Time
2200 hours to a broad peak from 2300 to 0100 hours. The Station 2 catches
then declined to low values at 0300 hours at the same time that a minor peak
was appearing at Station O.
A seasonal and diel pattern existed in smolt results when daytime
(0300 to 2200, mostly in the first 9 hours) catches were compared with
hours of greater darkness (2200 to 0300 hours). The general trend was that
smolt movements in 5 hours of darkness and twilight were more constant
with time compared to fair! y erratic appearances of smolt in the daytime
migration. A seasonal characteristic was that the bulk of the daytime
smolt catch was in a relatively brief period from May 21/22 through May
26/27.
The net and trap catch data also tend to indicate the greater daytime
catches are concentrated in the deeper mid-channel areas where light and
predator avoidance are most suited for survival.
Fry: Defining horizontal fry distribution is more difficult than for
smolt since few gear types succeeded in fry capture. The 4x8-foot cabled
fyke net, which served to define smolt distribution in the horizontal plane,
did not capture fry with any real efficiency. Figure 8 illustrates the fry
horizontal distribution at RM-7 with the data available. As with smolt, the
bulk of the fry (about 80 percent) passing RM-7 were located in mid-channel
(Station 2). Fixed fyke nets on the east bank sampling about at Station 0
and inshore of Station 0 had about 11 and 5 percent, respectively, of the
total fry catch. The west bank fyke net captured about 4 percent of the fry
taken. The horizontal picture is incomplete since sampling was not completed
for fry at Stations 1, 3, 4, and 5. However, the available data indicate a
heavy use of the mid-channel area by fry.
Vertical distribution of fry could not be determined with acoustic
sampling because of the small fry target size and existing conditions. No
net types sampling different depth strata at the same time were available
since the inclined-plane trap sank on June 5 and the 3x9-foot net with
1/8-inch net was not av able until June 14. When the 3x9-foot net catches
-25-
I-u..
w
u z
e:(
l-
V) .......
0
w
>-.......
l-
e:(
-J
W a::
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
J6
14
12
10
B
6
4
2
0
2
4
6
8
10
"
o 20
Station 2
~115ft Off East Bank
4 3
80 140 200 260 320 380 440 500 560 620 680 740
DISTRNCE FROM RIGHT BRNK (WEST) (FT)
NOTE: Vertical bars approximated 4ft strata of different sampling
stations and water levels on 10 May and 2 June shown. Suitable
fry catches at stations 1, 3, 4, and 5 were not available.
1.0
.9
.8
.7
.6
.5
.4
.3
.2
. 1
0
Relative Horizontal Distribution of Outmigrating Sockeye
Fry Indicated from Net Sampling RM7
from 23 May through 16 June
<: rn
'"'0
;:0
0
'"'0
0
;:0
-I .......
0 ..,.,
..,.,
;:0
-<
Dames & Moore
Job No. 12023-009-20 Figure 8
are compared to expected inclined-plane catches (based upon shore fyke net
catches) and both standardized to a 4-foot river width, the net catches were
found to be 60 to 80 percent of the expected inclined-plane trap catches.
This limited information suggests most fry are located near the surface. The
compar ison is weak since extrapolated val ues are used for one gear type and
the 3x9-foot net did not sample the entire day extrapolated for the inclined-
plane trap. The literature indicates that sockeye fry concentrate in surface
waters of higher velocities (McDonald 1960, Hartman et ala 1962).
A strong diel pattern of fry appearance is apparent with the peak
fry catches between 0200 and 0300 hours on almost every night fished with the
inclined-plane trap and the 3x9-foot net. Station 2 catches by these
two gear types sharply peaked in the 0100-to 0300-hour period, while
shore-located fyke nets have much less distinct peaks. The latter gear did
have some minor peaks on either side of the mid-channel peak migration time.
Visual observations in the daytime indicated fry schools holding or moving
slowly along the low velocity nearshore areas. Therefore, the shore-located
fyke nets would sample these fry. The schooling and nearshore shallow water
location in daylight periods is likely a predation avoidance response in
these fry.
TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION
The temporal pattern of downstream migrant sockeye smolt at RM-7 is
shown for the sampling period in Figure 9. A generalized peak is indicated
from May 19 to 26, representing about 72 percent 0 f the total outmigration
during the sampling period. Large smolt catches were made on the first night
the 4x8-foot net was fished at Station 2 (May 13). Newhalen River smolt
may have been moving downstream in some numbers prior to our field mobili-
zation and the initiation of sampling. The numbers and temporal distribution
of those earlier smolt are not known. The degree to which catches trailed
off by June 11 would indicate most smolt activity was over although some
minor smolt activity likely continued later in June.
-27-
3000
-
-
-
2500 ..
-
-
2000 ..
-
-
-
1-~ 1500
<lJ
>,
<lJ
.:>L.
U a
(/)
>,
rtl o
"'0
<lJ
+-'
rtl
E
1000
III 500 w
-
-
-
-..
-
-
-
-..
-
-
-
-
,
.....
r-
C.
E
rtl
I I I I I • I ~ I I • o I I I I -1 I I I I I I I I
13 15 20 25 30
May
NOTE: This data represents real and extrapolated daily
catches for station 2 only.
Job No. 12023-009-20
Estimated Daily Sockeye Smolt Catch
at RM7 on the Newhalen River, 1982
5 10 11
June
Dames & Moore
Figure 9
Twenty-three percent of the total smolt outmigration passed RM-7
during daylight hours (0300 to 2200 hours). Of this percentage, 86 percent
passed during the period from May 21 to 26. During this 6-day peak in
daytime migration, catches in the inclined-plane· trap remained at
insignificant levels.
Another temporal pattern in smolt noted was the appearance of 1+
and II+ smoH at RM-7. The ratio of II+ smoH to 1+ smoH was greater in
the early season as compared to the mid and later sampling period when
II+ smoH near! y disappeared from the samples. Of interest was the appear-
ance of much smaller smolt numbers dominated by 11+ smolt at the end of the
field period. More data analyses of length-frequencies and scales are needed
before smolt age/length frequency can be ~ully analyzed.
The temporal distribution of sockeye fry is much more dramatic yet
di fficuH to accurately estimate due to gear failure. The inclined-plane
trap sank on June 5 due to high winds and rapidly increasing river flows.
The Newhalen sockeye fry apparently (based upon shore-based fyke nets)
responded to these increased flows and began swimming downstream in high
numbers. The inclined-plane trap numbers after June 4 are therefore
extrapolations 0 f shore-based fyke nets using relationships between these
nets and the inclined-plane trap when it was still in operation. If these
assumptions are correct, the resulting fry movement in Figure 10 occurred.
The field sampling ended on June 16 and fry were still being taken in shore-
based fyke nets. Sampl ing with the inclined-plane trap at R~~-1. 7 in the
Tazimina River (a major fry source) through June 18 indicated numbers of fry
were still exiting this Newhalen tributary. Limited observations by FRI as
late as July 15 indicated small numbers of fry were still in the Newhalen
River in the Fish Camp vicinity downstream of Nondalton. These fry could be
still migrating past RM-7 to Lake Iliamna at that time; however, numbers of
fry passing the spring study site are 1 ikel y very low compared to those shown
on Figure 10.
FR1 tow net data on fry in Lake Clark and Six-Mile Lake in the fall
of past years indicate a general gradient of increasing fry abundance as
-29-
35,000
-
-
-
-
1-30,000
-
-
-
-
,-25,000
-
-
-
-.s::.
~ 20,000 -10
U
t'
I.J..
Q)
>,
Q)
-t; 15,000
o
Vl
>,
10
Cl
"'Cl
2 10,000
10
E .,...
5,000
o
-
-
-
--
-
-
-
--
-
-
-
---
-
-
-
%
en en c:: c:: .,.... .,.-
r-
Oo
E
10
111111111
Vl
o 0 :z:: :z::
I I I I I I I I I I I
23 25 30 5
May
NOTE: Catches after June 4 are extrapolations
from other gear types.
10
June
Estimated Daily Sockeye Fry Catch with the
Inclined Plane Trap, RM7, Newhalen River, 1982
Job No. 12023-009-20
15 16
Dames & Moore
Figure 10
one moves down these two systems. Thus, there seems a likelihood of a
fall fry outrnigration in the Newhalen River if these fish leave the Lake
Clark system to enter Lake iamna. These are larger fry (0+) than observed
in the spring 1982 studies and would likely have different migration
activities past RM-7 as compared to the spring fry.
ENUMERATION
Sockeye smolt and fry enumeration at RM-7 on the Newhalen River was
a secondary effort to the spacial distribution task assigned to Dames &
Moore. The study plan did not incorporate sufficient net sampling effort to
enumerate smol t or fry wi th any great accuracy. The "complete enumeration"
interest of some individuals was not pO,ssible. The estimated numbers of
smol t and fry are there fore rough estimates based on a great deal of
assumption.
Smolt: The estimate 0 f smolt passing RM-7 from May 13 through June 11
in 1982 was 217,000 based upon an actual catch of 9,726 smolt. An accurate
confidence interval could not be calculated for this smolt enumeration but
possibly equaled 50 percent or more. 'The sampling strategy to determine
horizontal distribution for the spacial evaluations of smolt calls for a
static position within each station sampled. For enumeration, a stratified
random sampling method, which randomly samples multiple locations within a
station, is desirable (Robert Donnelly, personal communication). In other
words, the spacial distribution sampling scheme is distributed equally across
the river's width and does not resul t in sampling where the majority (80 to
90 percent) of the smolt are located.
The limited substation sampling at Station 2 indicated high variability
in catches at the three substations, as well as a great density gradient
between areas about 10 feet apart. This condition in the mid-channel smolt
"highway" could influence the accuracy 0 f both the horizontal distribution
evaluation as well as the sockeye smolt enumeration.
-31-
Fry: Loss of the inclined-plane trap at the onset of heavy fry movement
at RM-7 impaired the enumeration of Newhalen sockeye fry. The estimate of
fry passing RH-7 from May 23 through June 16, 1982 was about 7 million based
upon an actual catch of 42,773 fry. An accurate confidence interval could
not be calculated, but could be 50 percent or more with the limited catch
data available.
Shore fyke net catches (4x4E) of fry at about Station 0 and on both
banks showed a fairly close relationship to the inclined-plane trap catches
while it operated. After the trap was lost, this relationship could no
longer be monitored or characterized. The 3x9-foot net with 1/8-inch mesh
used briefly at the end of the sampling period confirmed that large numbers
of fry were still present in the Station 2 area. The 3x9-foot net catches
(sampling the full water column) cannot be related to what a trap sampling
only the upper 18-inch surface may have captured.
Hartman et a1. (1962) reported the density of sockeye fry increased
in a greater-than-linear fashion with increased velocity. Therefore, the
pre-high flow fry relationship of shore fyke nets to inclined-plane trap
may have changed. This could cause the extrapolated inclined-plane trap
value after June 4 to be low and thus contribute to an underestimate of
fry numbers.
OTHER FISH OBSERVATIONS
Few other fish species and numbers were taken with the nets and traps
used at RM-7. Cottids were by far the most abundant of the other fish taken
and were generally more numerous in shore fyke nets and therefore lower
velocity areas. Of interest were a few dead sculpins taken in May and also
seen on the bottom in shallows near shore. These fish had apparently spawned
and died.
Least cisco were also taken in the 4x4E net and in fewer numbers in
the 4x8-~ot net on the cable. Most individals caught were taken at night in
late May. One small grayl ing and several small char were taken with nets.
-32-
Visual and hook-and-line sampling indicated that few (if any) larger
resident fish were in the area when field program began. However, in
ear I y June, char began to appear and be taken near the east bank and just
below the field camp. Numbers present seemed to increase dramatically
each day. As the west bank gravel bar became flooded, large-sized grayling
began to appear and be captured between the tower position and the west bank.
Both char and grayling appearances seemed tied to increasing numbers of
sockeye fry at RM-7.
Of interest was the fact that no rainbow trout were taken or observed at
RM-7 when they were observed and captured upstream at about RM-12 and just
downstream of the study site below the rapids and in the river bottleneck
located there.
-33-
CONCLUSIONS
1. A 7-week field effort consisting of net, trap, and acoustic sampling
was mobilized, tested, and completed on RM-7 (actually about RM-7.2)
on the Newhalen River, Alaska as part 0 f an ongoing hydropower feasi-
bility study.
2. Sampling was completed at a river site that was very dynamic with
increasing water flows, depths, river cross section, and temperatures.
3. In the period May 10 to June 17, some 940 observations of sockeye
smolt and fry catches with three gear types located 9,726 smolt and
42,773 fry. Some smolt and fry were sampled for length, weight, and
scales.
4. Both sockeye smolt and fry had a strong preference for the mid-channel
area (Station 2) of this river with the bulk of the movement occurring
during the darker hours of the day (2200 to 0300 hours). There were
exceptions, including sizable smolt catches in the late morning on
some days.
5. A diel change in horizontal smolt positions was seen with some preference
for shallower nearshore areas at 2200 and 0300 hours, while mid-channel
smolt concentrations peaked from 2300 to 0100 hours.
6. A diel pattern in fry appearance was sharply focused in the 0200 to
0300-hour period on most days during which sampling occurred.
7. The diel pattern in smolt appearance noted was that June 4x8-foot net
catches peaked more sharpl y compared to simil ar t~ay catches. A 1-hour
peak shift was noted in smolt catches (0000 hours in May and 0100 hours
in June).
-34-
8. Vertical smolt d istr ib ut ions v ar ied with time with moderate numbers
near the surface in peak migration hours at night (2200 to 0300 hours)
and few smolt near the surface in lighter periods of the day. Acoustic
sampling indicated that even between 2200 and 0500 hours, changes in
smol t distributions occurred with more fish above and below a mid-
section of the water column. Similar distributions were seen by staff
members during several nights on the Kvichak River.
9. Vertical fry distribution information was limited due to gear failure.
The limited data indicate that in the peak outmigration hours most fry
are near the surface (upper 18 inches).
10. The temporal distribution of fry showed a generalized peak in catches
from May 19 to 26. Smolt catches were moderate on the first sampl ing
day (Hay 13), indicating that smolt movement was well underway when this
field program began. Observed smolt data indicated that 11+ smolt were
numerous in the early part of the season, then all but disappeared only
to return and dominate some catches late in the field season.
11. The temporal fry distribution seemed sharply cued to increasing river
flows that also led to the loss 0 f an important inclined-plane trap.
Fry were still migrating to the Newhalen River from the Tazimina River
as late as June 18; FRI observers found a few fry in the Newhalen River
(Fish Camp vicinity) as late as July 15. There is some indication,
based upon FRI tow net information from prior years, that a fall fry
outmigration (0+ fish) may occur on the Newhalen River.
12. The estimated numbers 0 f smol t passing RM-7 from May 13 through June
11 was 217,000 with a rough confidence interval of 50 percent or
more. The estimate 0 f fry passing RM-7 from May 23 through June 16
was about 7 million with a rough confidence interval estimate of at
least 50 percent. These enumerations were made wi th a sampling design
set to evaluate spacial distribution of smolt and fry. Many more
samples in a more random sampling scheme focused on the location of
-35-
the majority of the smolt or fry in the river cross section would be
required for better enumeration. The physical characteristics of RM-7,
especially the changing water depth and velocity, were not ideal for
enumeration-oriented sampling.
13. Other fish species taken at RM-7 in this sampling were in small numbers
and included cottids, least cisco, char, and grayling. Hook-and-line
and visual observations noted a sharp increase in char and to a lesser
extent, grayling numbers at the time sockeye fry were beginning to peak
at RM-7. No rainbow trout were observed or taken at RM-7 even though
they were observed upstream at RM-12 and just downstream in the Newhalen
River bottleneck just below the rapids.
-36-
REFERENCES
Donnelly, R., Fisheries Research Institute, 1982. Personal communication.
Hartman, W.L., C.W. Strickland, and D.T. Hoopes, 1962. Survival and behavior
of sockeye salmon fry migrating into Brooks Lake, Alaska. Trans. Amer.
Fish. Soc. 91(2):133-139.
Hamalainen, A.H.E., 1978. Effects of instream flow levels on sockeye fry
production in the Cedar River, Washington. M.S. Thesis, University
of Washington College of Fisheries, 90 pp.
McDonald, J., 1960. The behavior of Pacific salmon fry during their down-
stream migration to freshwater and sal bvater areas. J. Fish. Res.
Board. Can. 17(5):655-676.
Tyler, R.W. and T.E. Wright, 1974. A method of enumerating blueback salmon
smolts from Quinault Lake and biological parameters 0 f the 1974 out-
migration. University of Washington, Fisheries Research Institute.
FRI-UW-7414. 29 pp.
-37-
APPENDIX I
HYDROLOGIC EVALUATIONS
T AZIMINA RIVER
n
o
o
o
REPORT
ON
HYDROLOGIC EVALUATIONS FOR THE BRISTOL BAY REGIONAL
POWER PLAN OF THE ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
IN THE TAZL~INA RIVER BASIN
FOR
STONE & WEBSTER ENGINEERING CORPORATION
Dames & Moore
-1-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 SUMMARY
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 AUTHORIZATION
2.2 OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND
3.0 GENERATION OF MEAN MONTHLY STREAMFLOWS
3.1 REVIEW OF AVAILABLE DATA
3.2 ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO GENERATE MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS
3.2.1 METHOD 1
3.2.2 METHOD 2
4.0 RESULTS OF STREAMFLOW ANALYSIS
4.1 MEAN MONTHLY STREAMFLOWS OF TAZIMINA RIVER
4.2 DAILY STREAMFLOWS FOR LOW FLOW PERIOD
5.0 PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD
5.1 BASIN CHARACTERISTICS
5.1.1 PHYSIOGRAPHY
5.1. 2 SOILS
5.1.3 VEGETATION
5.1.4 CLIMATE
5.2 PROBABLE MAXIMUM PRECIPITATION
5.3 UNIT HYDROGRAPH
5.3.1 TIME OF CONCENTRATION
5.3.2 OTHER PARAMETERS
5.4 PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD HYDROGRAPH
5.4.1 SEQUENCE OF INCREMENTAL PRECIPITATION
5.4.2 DIRECT RUNOFF
5.4.3 SNOWMELT RUNOFF
6.0 REFERENCES
Page
1
3
3
3
6
6
10
10
15
21
21
28
35
35
35
35
37
38
38
39
39
44
44
44
48
51
55
-ii-
LIST OF TABLES
Table
3-1 REGRESSION EQUATIONS BETWEEN TOTAL MONTHLY FLOWS OF
NEWHALEN AND TANALIAl."l' RIVERS 11
3-2 RESULTS OF MULTIPLE LINEAR REGRESSION BETWEEN PRECIPITATION,
TEMPERATURE, AND STREAMFLOWS OF NEWHALEN RIVER AT ILIAMNA 12
3-3 ESTIMATED MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS OF THE TAZIMINA RIVER USING
METHOD 1 14
3-4 REGRESSION EQUATIONS BETWEEN TOTAL MONTHLY PRECIPITATION
AT PORT ALSWORTH AND ILIAMNA 16
3-5 REGRESSION EQUATIONS BETWEEN MEAN MONTHLY TEMPERATURES
AT PORT ALSWORTH AND ILIAMNA 17
3-6 RESULTS OF MULTIPLE LINEAR REGRESSION BETWEEN TOTAL MONTHLY
FLOWS OF THE TANALIAN RIVER, Al."l'D TOTAL MONTHLY PRECIPITATION
AND MEAN MONTHLY TEMPERATURE AT PORT ALSWORTH 19
3-7 ESTIMATED MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS OF THE TAZIMINA RIVER USING
METHOD 2
4-1 ESTIMATED MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS OF THE TAZIMINA RIVER -
AVERAGE OF METHOD 1 AND METHOD 2
4-2 COMPARISON OF ESTIMATED AVERAGE MONTHLY STREAMFLOWS FOR
THE TAZIMINA RIVER
4-3 AVERAGE ANNUAL RUNOFF OF SELECTED STREAMS IN SOUTHWEST
ALASKA
4-4 ESTIMATED DAILY STREAMFLOWS OF THE TAZIMINA RIVER FOR
THE la-YEAR LOW FLOW PERIOD
5-1 PROBABLE MAXIMUM PRECIPITATION
TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN, ALASKA
5-2 TIMES OF CONCENTRATION -TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN
5-3 SYNTHETIC UNIT HYDRO GRAPH PARAMETERS
TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN
5-4 CRITICALLY SEQUENCED PRECIPITATION INCREMENTS
TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN
5-5 COMPARISON OF PMF HYDROGRAPHS USING THE GENERALIZED
AND OPTIMAL SEQUENCES OF INCREMENTAL EXCESS RAINFALL
5-6 RUNOFF CURVE NUMBER Al."l'ALYSIS BASED ON SOILS AND VEGETAL
DATA -TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN
20
23
24
25
34
41
43
45
46
47
52
-iii-
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
2-1 SITE VICINITY MAP 5
4-1 PLOT OF MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS FOR TIlE MONTH OF JANUARY
FOR TIlE TAZIMINA RIVER 30
4-2 PLOT OF MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS FOR THE MONTIl OF FEBRUARY
FOR THE TAZIMINA RIVER 31
4-3 PLOT OF MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS FOR TIlE MONnI OF MARCH
FOR TIlE TAZIMINA RIVER 32
4-4 PLOT OF MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS FOR TIlE MONTIl OF APRIL
FOR TIlE TAZIMINA RIVER 33
5-1 TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN 36
5-2 TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN -DEPTIl-DURATION CURVE 40
5-3 TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN -HYDROGRAPH AND RAINFALL
AUGUST 1-10, 1981 49
5-4 TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN -HYDRO GRAPH AND RAINFALL
August 11-20, 1981 50
5-5 TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN -PROBABLE MAXL~ FLOOD
HYDROGRAPH 53
1.0 SUMMARY
This report documents the methods used to perform a preliminary
hydrologic evaluation of the streamf10ws of the Tazimina River at the
location of a proposed dam site for hydroelectric development in Alaska.
These investigations were performed under a contract with Stone & Webster
Engineering Corporation. The results of this study are to be used to in-
vestigate the technical and economic feasibility of the above-mentioned
hydroelectric project of Alaska Power Authority. The hydrologic informa-
tion generated during the course of this study consists of three sets:
o Mean monthly flows of the Tazimina River at the proposed dam site
for a drainage area of 327 square miles for the period 1941 to
1977;
o 10-year low daily flows of the Tazimina River at the proposed
dam site for the low flow months of January, February, March
and April;
o Probable maximum flood hydro graphs for the proposed reservoir
on the Tazimina River with a drainage area of 273 square miles
for the PMP event alone and for the PMP event coincident with
a reasonably severe snowmelt runoff.
Computations for the mean monthly and 10-year low daily flows have
been made for a drainage of 327 square miles which represents the catch-
ment of the Tazimina River at the proposed dam site. The inflow hydro-
graph has been developed at the outlet of Lower Tazimina Lake where the
drainage area is 273 square miles.
The estimated mean monthly flows for the period 1941 to 1977 are
presented in Table 4-1. The daily flows for January, February, March
and April are given in Table 4-4 and the PMF hydro graphs are shown in
Figure 5-5. The estimated peak flows for the PMP event alone and for
the PMP event coincident with snowmelt are 190,000 and 225,000 cfs, re-
spectively.
-2-
A comparison of the mean monthly flows estimated in this study with
those obtained by previous investigators (Ref. 1) is shown in Table 4-2.
It is noted that the mean monthly flows estimated in this study are about
20 percent lower for the months of January, February. March, April and
November but are significantly higher for the months of May, June, July.
August, September and October than those obtained in the previous study.
The flows for December are only 9 percent higher.
There is very little information on recorded streamf10ws and c1i-
mato1otica1 parameters, i.e., precipitation and temperature, for the
Tazimina basin. Therefore, approximate correlations were developed using
regression analyses between streamf1ows, precipitation, temperature and
drainage areas for nearby streams. Even in these cases, the data available
were not sufficient for a satisfactory statistical analysis. Therefore,
the results presented herein should be treated as qualitative and approxi-
mate and should be updated by refined analyses after more site-specific
hydrologic and climatologic data have been collected.
..
-..
.. ..
• ..
--.. .. ..
..
.. ..
•
., -
-3-
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 AUTHORIZATION
The hydrologic analyses and results documented in this report were
authorized through PR l4007-W034Y dated November 2, 1981 issued by Stone &
Webster Engineering Corporation, Denver, Colorado to Dames & Moore. The
scope of services to be provided under this contract included collection
and review of hydrologic data, streamflow development, and determination
of the probable maximum precipitation (PMP) and probable maximum flood (PMF)
applicable to the Tazimina River Hydroelectric Project for the Bristol Bay
Regional Power Plan of the Alaska Power Authority.
2.2 OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND
The Phase I report on Bristol Bay Energy and Electric Power Potential
(Ref. 2) identified Tazimina Lake as a potential site for the development of
hydroelectric power with an available head of approximately 300 feet and an
average flow of 1,440 cfs. A conceptual report on the Tazimina River Hydro-
electric Project was prepared in January, 1980. This included the construc-
tion of a storage reservoir with a 45-foot-high dam at the mouth of the Lower
Tazimina Lake. Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation, with Dames & Moore
as the Environmental Consultant, is currently evaluating the environmental
and technical feasibility of this project. This report provides information-
on the probable maximum flood hydro graph to be used in sizing and designing
the spillway capacity for the proposed reservoir and simulated mean monthly
streamflows to perform reservoir operation studies to determine the power
generation potential of the project.
The Tazimina River has its headwaters on the western slopes of the
Alaska Range north of Iliamna Lake. The river flows westerly through two
large lakes, the Upper Tazimina Lake with its mouth at river mile 32.2 and
the Lower Tazimina Lake with its mouth at river mile 18. From the Lower
Tazimina Lake, the river flows through four small lakes up to river mile 9.5
-4-
and then joins the Newhalen River near the outlet of Lake Clark. The pro-
posed dam site is located at river mile 10.44. The drainage area of the
Tazimina River at the USGS gaging station near the proposed dam site is
327 square miles. The drainage area at the outlet of Lower Tazimina Lake
is 273 square miles (Fig. 2-1).
Hydrologic characteristics of the drainage basin and development of
the PMF hydrograph are described in Section 5.0.
For a feasibility-level evaluation, simulation of the mean monthly
flows of the Tazimina River for a period of approximately 36 years is con-
sidered adequate. Simulation of daily streamf10ws for 50 years or more
would be desirable for a detailed reservoir operation study. Methods used
to develop sequential mean monthly flows for the Tazimina River at the pro-
posed dam site are described in Section 3.0 and the corresponding results
are presented in Section 4.0.
Mean monthly flows of the Tazimina River have been independently
estimated by R. W. Retherford & Associates (Ref. 15) and E. Woody Trihey
of AEIDC (Ref. 1) using different approaches. Both these estimates were
based on the ratio of the drainage areas of the Newha1en and Tazimina rivers
coupled with appropriate refinements by judgement. The drainage area of
the Newha1en River at the water-stage recording station of the U.S.
Geological Survey, approximately 8 miles north of Iliamna, is 3,478 square
miles. Because of the large difference in the drainage areas of the two
rivers, this variable is not considered sufficient to define the streamflows
of the two rivers. Therefore, two prominent climatic variables, i.e.,
temperature and precipitation, were also used in the correlations developed
in this study in addition to the size of the drainage area. A detailed
description of these correlations is presented in Section 3.0.
.. -..
..
.. ..
•
•
•
• .. ..
-..
..
.. .. ..
f -_..J. •
, o?
~
, ,
-;f-~ t' J-~.-
/:' ,
I .
.
,
"
,
) ,-~ "'
: ;~
___ ro_
'VI
I ..
I"" I~"
I
I ·~ .... ,;.,
~ , I".
~. .....
• 1 .... _
~ (
r
!
' .
20 MILES ,
i
Tommy
,.land
'" n III N tJ"
---r
rial I
~-----. -.. River Basin Tazlmrna
SITE VICINITY MAP
& Moore Dames
-6-
3.0 GENERATION OF MEAN MONTHLY STREAMFLOWS
3.1 REVIEW OF AVAILABLE DATA
Review of available hydrologic and climatic data indicated that suf-
ficient information is not available to develop and calibrate a deterministic
streamflow model or to develop a stochastic model. Also, such sophisticated
models are not considered necessary for a feasibility-level evaluation.
Therefore, available information was assembled to perform appropriate cor-
relation and regression analyses to generate a sequence of monthly stream-
flows.
Pertinent available climatological data include:
(i) Monthly average temperature at Iliamna for the period 1941-
1977 (Ref. 3);
(ii) Total monthly precipitation at Iliamna for the period 1941-
1977 (Ref. 3);
The location of Iliamna is shown on Figure 2-1. The climato-
logical station at Iliamna is still operative. This station is
located near the downstream edge of the drainage basin of the
Newhalen River, and is about 140 miles southwest of the upper
edge, and approximately 4,000 feet lower in elevation than the
highest point in this basin. Therefore, the climatology of the
upper portion of the Newhalen River Basin may not be accurately
reflected by the records at this station. The available record
for this station is not complete and has approximately 14 percent
of the total number of months of temperature and precipitation
records missing.
(iii) Monthly average temperature at Port Alsworth for the period
1960-1977 (Ref. 3);
(iv) Total monthly precipitation at Port Alsworth for the period
1960-1977 (Ref. 3);
The location of Port Alsworth is also shown on Figure 2-1.
This climatologic station is still operative. It is located
• -
-7-.,
.,
near the downstream edge of the Tanalian River Basin which is _
approximately 200 square miles in areal extent and lies directly ~
north of the Tazimina basin. The climatological records at this
station are fairly complete with only 2 percent of the total
number of months with missing data.
Pertinent available hydrologic data include:
(i)
(ii)
Daily streamflows of the Newhalen River near Iliamna for the
period October, 1951 to September, 1967 (Ref. 4);
The drainage area of the Newhalen River at this station is
3,478 square miles. This station has a water-stage re-
corder located 8 miles north of Iliamna. At this station,
gage heights cannot generally be recorded during the low stream-
flow months of January, February, March, April and the first
half of May. The stream£lows for such periods are estimated and
reported by~ th~ USGS on the basis of a few actual discharge
measurements, weather records, records for a stream-gaging
station on the Tanalian River near Port Alsworth, and records
of streamflows for other nearby streams.
Daily streamflows of the Tanalian River near Port Alsworth for
the period October, 1951 to September, 1956 (Ref. 4);
The drainage area of the Tanalian River at this station is
approximately 200 square miles. This station has a water-stage
recorder located 2 1/2 miles southeast of Port Alsworth and 3
miles east of Tanalian Point. At this station also, gage-heights
cannot be recorded during the low streamflow periods generally
including the first half of December, January, February, March,
April, and the first half of May. The streamflows for such
periods are estimated and reported by the USGS on the basis of
a few actual discharge measurements, recorded ranges in stages,
weather records, records for the Newhalen River near Iliamna,
and records for other stations on nearby streams.
.. -
,.
• -
•
-
•
•
• .. ..
-8-
There is a large glacier in the headwaters of the Tanalian
River which is believed to act as a reservoir and tends to
moderate its flows. Meltwater flow from the glacier increases
as the summer advances and declines gradually with the approach
of fall and winter. The Tanalian basin is reported to be
heavily forested with spruce~ birch and cottonwood (Ref. 1).
However, in the absence of adequate concurrent streamflow data
for the Tanalian and Tazimina rivers, there is no way to quantify
the effects of these features on the monthly flows of these
streams. Glaciers are reported to alter the seasonal streamflow
pattern of affected streams by extending the duration of high
flows into the fall season and reducing the magnitude of stream-
flows during the winter. However, as demonstrated subsequently
(see Section 4.1), on an annual basis, the net effect of the
glacier and vegetation does not appear to be significant. Also,
the qualitative nature of the monthly streamflows for the
Tazimina River estimated in this study does not warran arbitrary
refinement for these features.
(iii) Daily streamflows of the Tazimina River for the period June 19,
1981 to September 9, 1981 (Ref. 14).
These records were supplied by the USGS and are provisional
and subject to revision. This stream-gaging station is located
near Nondalton and is designated as USGS Station Number 15200099.
Since the time the computations documented in this report were
made, provisional monthly streamflow data at this station for
the period September, 1981 through February, 1982 have become
available (Ref. 14). This information has been used to test
the validity and accuracy of the sequence of estimated flows
of the Tazimina River.
It is to be recognized that the period for which streamflow data for
the Tazimina River are available is too small to be used for a reservoir
operation study. Therefore, two alternative approximate methods were in-
vestigated to develop regression equations between temperature, precipitation
and monthly streamflows of the Newhalen and Tanalian rivers. The computed
-9-
monthly flows of the Tanalian River were adjusted in the ratio of the
drainage areas to estimate the monthly flows of the Tazimina River.
Description of these two methods is presented in Section 3.2.
A
• .. ..
... .. .. ..
• .. -
• -
•
Ill" .. ...
• ..
• ..
• --III
• --,.,. ..
....," ..
"" .. .. ---..
-10-
3.2 ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO GENERATE MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS
3.2.1 METHOD 1
This method included the following sequential steps of computation:
(i) Develop regression equations correlating the total monthly flows
of the Newha1en and Tana1ian rivers at Iliamna and Port Alsworth,
respectively, using available data for both rivers for the period
October, 1951 to September, 1956. The results of this analysis
are summarized in Table 3-1. The two types of equations given
in Table 3-1 (y = ~ and y = A + BX) were selected after exam-
ining the physical possibility of different mathematical re-
lationships. The choice between these two equations was based
on a comparison of the coefficients of determination for each
case. In view of the fact that only five to six data points
were available for regression, the coefficients of determination
are considered reasonable except for December. For this case,
the inverse relationship between the total monthly streamf10ws
of the two riVers appeared to be spurious and was rejected. As
an alternative, it was assumed that the December flows of the
two rivers are proportional to their respective drainage areas.
(ii) Develop regression equations correlating the total monthly pre-
cipitation and mean monthly temperature at Iliamna for the
period October, 1951 to September, 1967 with the total monthly
flows of the Newha1en River for the same period at the USGS
stream-gaging station near Iliamna.
The results of this analysis are summarized in Table 3-2. The
computer analysis used for this multiple linear regression re-
sulted in unrealistic correlations for January, February, April,
May and July and was unsuccessful for the months of October and
December. For these months, a graphical method for multiple
linear regression was used (Ref. 5). The values of the co-
efficients A, Band C for these months shown in Table 3-2 were
-11-
TABLE 3-1
REGRESSION EQUATIONS-BBTWEEN TOTAn MONTHLY FLOWS
OF NEWHALEN AND TANALIAN RIVERS
Selected Coefficient of A
Month Eg,uation Determination Coefficient
January Y=AXB 0.55 0.13
February Y=A+BX 0.55 90.19
March y=AJ!3 0.56 1.20
April Y=~ 0.33 0.79
May Y=A+BX 0.48 -6677.66
June Y=A+BX 0.83 "':43620.10
July Y=A+BX 0.79 -8795.19
August Y=A+BX 0.48 -68914.18
September Y=AX B 0.77 0.16
October Y=A+BX 0.46 -23799.24
November Y=~ 0.71 0.03
December Y=~ 0.14 39182.82
Y = Total monthly flows of the Tana1ian River in cfs-days.
X =T_ota1 monthly flow of the Newha1en River in cfs-day.
B
Coefficient
0.91
0.04
0.68
0.72
0.09
0.22
0.11
0.17
0.92
0.11
1.02
-0.18*
*Theoretica1 regression analysis resulted in a physically unrealistic
relationship. Therefore, this equation was rejected and the mean
monthly flows of the two rivers for December were assumed to be pro-
portional to the respective drainage areas.
Month
.January*
February*
March
Aprll*
Hay*
.June
.Ju1y*
August
September
October*
November
December*
TABLE 3-2
RESULTS OF MULTIPLE LINEAR REGRESSION BETWEEN PRECIPITATION,
TEMPERATURE, AND STREAMFLOWS OF NEWHALEN RIVER AT ILIAMNA
A B
12,000 41,905
28,000 7,451
39,167.78 4,701. 537
-212,228 27,692
-2.021,500 12,433
-717,896.1 54,488.77
-6,450.000 83,750
232,734.6 25,721.53
-653,968.1 14,831.60
-1,446,875 127,451
93,179.58 33,372.02
-23,000 65.652
e
1,053
1,2/,1
713.8943
7,778
51,500
21,009.52
125,000
5,749.535
24,460.49
43,750
1,895.635
3.767
Std. Error
of Y
13.900
66,900
94,800
95,400
55,/,00
Y = A + aX l + ex 2 , where, Y "" Total Monthly Flow in da-days.
Xl = Total Monthly Precipitation in inches.
X2 c tlean Monthly Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
*Regression equation based on graphical method.
Std. Error
of B
3,457.809
16.942.91
12,366.83
9,800.163
17 ,176. 78
Std. Error
586.5202
6,623.244
15.891.18
I 13,181.51 I-'
N
I
2,436.528
-13-
obtained from this graphical analysis. The standard errors
of the dependent variable and the regression coefficients
were not~computed for these months.
(iii) Compute the total monthly flows of Newha1en River for the
period 1941 to 1977 using the regression equations of Table 3-2
and the monthly precipitation and temperature data for the same
period at Iliamna.
These computations resulted in negative values of streamflows
for some cases, which is unrealistic. Also, climatological
data were not available for some months and flows could not be
computed. For such cases, the values for the preceding and
following years were averaged to estimate the missing total
monthly flows.
(iv) Compute the total monthly flows of Tanalian River at Port
Alsworth for the period 1941 to 1977 from those of the Newhalen
River using the regression equations developed previously. For
cases where the total monthly flows of the Newhalen River were
negative or could not be computed due to non-availability of
climatologic data, the regression equations of Table 3-1 were
not used to compute the total monthly flows of the Tanalian
River. Instead, the computed total monthly flows of the Tanalian
River for the closest preceding and following years were averaged
to estimate such missing values.
(v) Compute the mean monthly flows of the Tazimina River at the pro-
posed dam site (drainage area = 327 square miles) from those of
the Tana1ian River at Port Alsworth (drainage area = 200 square
miles) using the drainage area ratio.
The resulting values of the mean monthly flows of the Tazimina
River for all months for the period 1941 to 1977 are given in
Table 3-3. It may be noted that this method does not make use
of the climatological data at Port Alsworth.
Year January
194J
42 206 184
43 60 146
44 201 119
45 238 151
46 243 ]26
47 118 142
48 169 Ll8
49 337 UI
1950 126 13
51 118 144
52 )07 19
53 280 ]47
54 144 ]06
55 288 148
56 98 83
51 154 105
58 328 201
59 115 120
1960 223 155
6) 243 159
62 118 155
63 209 178
64 ]61 105
65 230 112
66 243 152
61 218 181
68 ) 58 133
69 85 13L
1970 68 178
71 **113 **152
72 **113 **]52
73 158 126
14 U] 51 **116
75 **151 **116
76 156 106
17 271 191
TABLE 3-3
ESTIMATED MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS OF THE TAZIMINA RIVER USING METHOD 1
(cfs)
April ~ June July August September October
688 3.154 3.601 1,589 1.911 1.121
113 216 1.316 **3,.236 **3.193 2,450 1.908 483
109 122 625 3.321 2.178 2.511 1.535 3.297
108 16 666 2.603 3.888 2.940 1.627 1.693
101 60 * 441 1.811 3.081 2.591 1.645 2.466
UO 128 441 3.133 3.182 2.631 1.681 5.815
114 109 216 1,811 3.340 1.711 1,594 *3.151
101 94 419 2,362 2.561 2.156 1.430 486
U5 12 * 286 1.549 1.896 2,584 1.113 1.635
110 140 93 3,643 2.494 2,788 1.681 1.021
98 111 388 2,769 3.186 2.154 1,122 755
17 92 143 1,668 3,279 2,891 1,212 1,638
168 232 165 3,813 3.561 3,205 1,819 755
90 101 511 1, 71.9 2,100 2,508 1.880 863
132 121 217 1.576 3.957 2.634 1,417 413
82 96 268 1,694 3.143 2.376 1,607 298
88 105 171 3,321 2.834 1.133 1,900 1,006
127 126 516 4,319 3,485 2,298 1,252 314
88 90 84 2,048 2.611 1.801 1.964 386
101 80 444 2,911 2.804 2.311 1,490 811
]01 85 204 2,646 3.418 3.035 2.203 2,275
120 145 281 3,118 3.580 1.395 1.456 101
] 21 108 491 2,171 3,666 3.391 2.034 1.151
88 85 8 4,621 3.411 1,244 1,382 419
131 140 201 1.311 2,486 1.884 1,841 1.704
10) 94 60 2.012 2,828 2.543 1.513 1,128
119 123 560 3,935 3.851 4,510 1,806 * 955
no 103 1,059 2,603 3,568 1.825 1.496 182
115 ]26 485 3,291 4.511 2.159 1,685 4,413
126 120 ** 306 **2,114 **3.150 **2.162 *·1,832 **4.092
**120 **125 ** 306 ·*2,714 **3,750 **2.162 **1.832 **4.092
**120 **125 ** 306 **2.114 **3.150 **2.162 **1.832 **4.092
113 **125 ** 306 **2,114 **3.750 2.165 **1,832 3,112
**110 **125 ** 306 **2.114 **3.150 **1,953 **1,832 2,319
110 **125 ** 306 **2,714 2,990 1.140 1.918 1,046
101 131 121 2.131 3.445 1,860 1.646 *1,311
108 121 229 3,669 3,953 2.164 1,821 1,588
"The estimated value was negative. The value given is the average of the preceding and following "non-averaged" years.
**1'he climatological data were not sufficient to develop an estimated flow. The value given is the average of the preceding and
"nou-averaged" years.
November
381 571
353 * 933
509 1,295
402 561
303 210
335 620
412 669
301 638
443 193
262 183
320 189
610 441 I 320 224 I-'
564 292 J:..
I
231 160
240 310
615 625
250 244
320 345
505 531
545 334
281 322
352 326
370 389
505 498
550 561
640 699
328 ]89
399 516
**361 ** 433
**361 ** 433
335 ** 433
403 ** 433
*332 ** 433
261 351
526 ** 259
266 168
following
-15-
3.2.2 METHOD 2
This method included the following sequential steps of computation:
(i) Develop regression equations correlating the total monthly pre-
cipitations and mean monthly temperatures at Port Alsworth to
those at Iliamna for the period 1961 to 1977.
After examining the physical possibility of different mathemati-
cal relationships, two physically viable equations, i.e.,
y = ~ and y = A + BX, were selected for the aforementioned
regression analyses. Between these two equations, the one re-
sulting in a higher coefficient of determination was adopted.
For cases where the coefficients of determination were found
to be equal, the simpler relationship, y = A + BX, was selected.
The results of these regression analyses for precipitation and
temperature are summarized in tables 3-4 and 3-5, respectively.
Except for the months of February, April, June and December,
the coefficients of determination in Table 3-4 are reasonably
high and indicate fair correlations. The coefficients of de-
termination in Table 3-5 indicate even better correlations
except for the month of July.
(ii) Compute the total monthly precipitation and mean monthly
temperature at Port Alsworth for the period 1941 to 1977 from
those at Iliamna using the regression equations of tables 3-4
and 3-5, respectively.
(iii) Develop regression equations between the total monthly flows
of Tanalian River near Port Alsworth and the total monthly
precipitation and mean monthly temperature at Port Alsworth
for the period 1951 to 1956.
There being only five to six data points, the computer program
for multiple linear regression could not be used. The regression
was performed using a graphical method for multiple linear re-
gression (Ref. 5). The results of this regression analysis
-16-
TABLE 3-4
REGRESSION EQUATIONS BETWEEN TOTAL MONTHLY PRECIPITATIONS
AT PORT ALSWORTH AND ILL~A
Coefficient of A B
Month Equation Determination Coefficient Coefficient
January Y-A+BX 0.72 0.04
February Y=AX.B 0.31 0.45
March Y=AX.B 0.83 0.47
April Y=A+BX 0.39 0.01
May Y=A+BX 0.49 -0.12
June Y=A+BX 0.28 0.71
July Y-A+BX 0.51 0.89
August Y=PJ!3 0.54 0.47
September Y-A+BX 0.80 -1.07
October Y"PJ!3 0.57 0.86
November Y-PJ!3 0.79 0.76
December Y_AXB 0.37 0.60
Y -Total Monthly Precipitation at Port Alsworth in inches.
X -Total Monthly Precipitation at Iliamna in inches.
0.78
0.93
1.07
0.58
0.66
0.50
0.41
1.15
0.84
0.66
0.85
0.64
-17-
TABLE 3....,.5
REGRESSION EQUATIONS BETWEEN MEAN MONTHLY TEMPEBATURES
AT PORT ALSWORTH AND ILIAMNA
Selected Coefficient of A B
Month Equation Determination Coefficient Coefficient
January Y=A+BX 0.98 -7.26 1.24
February Y""~ 0.95 0.43 1.27
March Y""A+BX 0.96 -3.24 1.13
April Y=~ 0.74 0.93 1.04
May Y=A+BX 0.94 -0.32 1.03
June Y""AXB 0.50 3.69 0.67
July Y=~ 0.21 4.84 0.61
August Y=A+BX 0.79 1. 75 0.96
September Y=A+BX 0.88 -4.73 1.08
October Y=~ 0.73 1.26 0.93
November Y=~ 0.94 0.57 1.16
December Y=A+BX 0.97 -5.33 1.21
Y = Mean Monthly Temperature at Port Alsworth in Degrees Fahrenheit.
X = Mean Monthly Temperature at Iliamna in Degrees Fahrenheit.
-18-
are summarized in Table 3-6.
(iv) Compute the total monthly flows of Tanalian River at Port
Alsworth using the previously estimated total monthly pre-
cipitation and mean monthly temperature data at Port Alsworth
for the period 1941 to 1977 and the regression equations of
Table 3-6.
These computations resulted in negative values of streamflows
for some cases, which is unrealistic. Also, climatological
data were not available for some months and flows could not be
computed. For such cases, the values for the closest preceding
or following year were averaged to estimate the missing values.
(v) Compute the mean monthly flows of the Tazimina River at the
proposed dam site (drainage area = 327 square miles) from those
of the Tanalian River at Port Alsworth (drainage area = 200
square miles) using the drainage area ratio.
The resulting values of the mean monthly flows of the Tazimina
River for all months for the period 1941 to 1977 are given in
Table 3-7. This method does not make use of the streamflow
data for the Newhalen River.
-19-
TABLE 3-6·
RESULTS OF MULTIPLE LINEAR REGRESSION BETWEEN TOTAL HONTHLY FLOWS OF THE TANALIAN RIVER,
AND TOTAL MONTHLY PRECIPITATION AND MEAN MONTHLY TEMPERATURE AT PORT ALSWORTH
Month A B C
January 1,860 1,237 84
February 950 989 9.6
March 1,125 1,171 13.3
April 1,475 327 6.7
May -150,800 27,000 3,600
June -132,000 55,556 2,000
July -682,000 10,851 13,000
August -27,404 5,441 1,194
September -163,400 7,571 3,900
October -75,800 14,500 2,000
November -6,600 4,133 259
December 1,650 3,088 41
y = A + BX1 + CX 2
y = Total Monthly Flow in cfs-days.
Xl = Total Monthly Precipitation in inches.
X2 = Mean Monthly Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
TABLE 3-7
ESTIMATED MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS OF THE TAZIMINA RIVER USING METHOD 2
(cfs)
Months
Year Januar~ Febrtlar~ March April ~ June July August Se(!tember October Nuventber December
1941 2.399 2,700 3,534 2,213 2,552 1,063 159 272
42 290 101 115 86 2,627 """2.917 """3.301 2,849 2,403 563 95 107
43 100 93 97 101 652 3,134 3,069 2,911 1,440 1.675 43 408
44 227 105 106 91 2.766 2.071 3.668 3,275 1,847 1,058 242 268
45 312 93 99 95 1,070 1,212 3,282 2,948 2.190 1.346 * 156 171
46 253 87 161 108 1,814 3,930 3,265 2,961 1.884 2.523 69 282
1.7 113 85 135 94 1.377 1.631 3,310 2,235 1.833 212 312 295
48 ] 5] 72 100 97 513 2,309 2.846 2,528 1.019 558 * 331 288
49 284 83 111 93 81 1.713 2.650 2,924 1,734 1,048 350 174
1950 .114 55 80 101 141 6,073 2,935 3.164 1,912 802 * 335 168
51 135 101 96 96 244 3,804 3,387 2.571 2,350 155 320 189
52 107 79 77 92 143 1,668 3,279 2,891 1,212 1,638 610 441 I 53 280 147 168 232 765 3,873 3,561 3.205 1,932 755 320 224 N
54 144 106 90 101 517 1.749 2,100 2,508 1,880 863 564 292 a
55 288 148 132 121 217 1,576 3,957 2.634 1,477 473 237 160 I
56 98 83 82 96 268 1.694 3,143 2.376 1.607 441 1 135
57 315 19 95 99 996 1,044 3,549 2,511 1,857 1,425 541 221
58 2(i0 83 114 100 1.619 3,319 2,918 2.583 1,248 893 132 231
59 148 105 62 103 1,117 1,043 1,783 3,140 **1,505 539 251 230
1960 326 81 72 100 2.334 3,033 4,536 2.706 1,763 1,354 205 245
61 301 87 73 105 1.066 5,785 2,964 2.523 5,055 1.755 2/tI 371
62 192 98 83 96 2,069 5,100 5,003 2.789 962 1,248 196 210
63 305 74 235 111 894 7,205 6,296 3,624 2,474 600 189 453
64 214 III 128 99 1,916 6,401 2,218 2,811 2,058 2,240 182 222
65 1/.8 83 182 111 *1,556 1.511 2.291 2,813 4,415 *1.635 164 203
66 168 135 90 102 1.196 *4,580 2.717 2.816 1,971 1,031 545 154
67 155 (if! 140 109 615 7,649 5.755 3,194 2,061 * 584 1,069 44
68 182 88 78 100 2.678 1.988 3,320 2.526 739 138 98 165
69 JI3 87 106 92 555 1,249 3.114 2.415 1.171 2.55/, 82 197
1970 104 87 128 111 89/, 3,162 1.58) 2,658 616 473 506 445
71 69 135 119 94 * 117 2,455 1,430 4,727 1,563 2,417 207 760
72 189 85 100 93 541 833 3,136 2,384 2,446 1,428 197 181
13 136 79 170 91 206 7,009 1,688 3,258 1,079 211 25 325
74 )48 66 156 105 889 632 3.081 2,553 2,488 507 348 221
75 199 70 97 lot 1,080 6.259 3,489 2,108 3,054 757 * 457 196
76 19] 76 124 95 290 262 4,087 2,094 2,279 344 565 285
77 ]]6 88 124 141 3,156 651 3,108 2,486 3,206 236 * 457 196
"'The estimated vs Iue was negative. The value given Is the average of the preceding and following "non-averaged" years.
*"'The ct:!nltltolng{r.al dats were not 611fflclent to develop an estimated flow. The value given 1s the sverage of the prededing and following
unon-averaged" yeat's.
-21-
4.0 RESULTS OF STREAMFLOW ANALYSIS
4.1 MEAN MONTHLY STREAMFLOWS OF TAZIMINA RIVER
Mean monthly flows of the Tazimina River for the period 1941 to 1977
at the proposed dam site computed by the two methods described previously
are given in tables 3-3 and 3-7. respectively. As stated previously. the
first method does not utilize the climatological data at Port Alsworth.
and the second method does not utilize the streamflow data for the Newhalen
River at Iliamna. To reflect both these sets of information in the final
result. the averages of the mean monthly streamflows obtained from the two
methods were computed. These values of mean monthly streamflows are pre-
sented in Table 4-1.
As stated in Section 3.2, theoretical simple and multiple linear re-
gression analyses failed to provide physically realistic results in a number
of cases. For such cases, alternative approaches were adopted by judgement.
Adoption of such arbitrary computational methods makes it too complicated to
estimate the statistical standard errors of the predicted streamflows. Ap-
proximate computations for the standard errors of forecast for the month of
July for Method 1 indicated that the prediction error for the multiple
linear regression between the monthly flows of the Newhalen River and pre-
cipitation and temperature records at Iliamna would be approximately t48
percent. The prediction error for the linear regression between the monthly
flows of the Newhalen and Tanalian rivers would be approximately t27 percent.
Thus, the total error of a single predicted value could be as much as +88 or
-62 percent. Similarly the standard error of forecast in the simple linear
regression component of Method 2 is estimated to be about tIS percent, and
that for the mUltiple linear regression component of Method 2 is estimated to
be t74 percent. Thus, the total error of a single predicted value for
Method 2 could be as much as +100 or -78 percent. These errors could in-
crease further depending upon the error in estimating the streamflows of
the Tazimina River from those of the Tanalian River using the ratio of the
two drainage areas. However, the errors could tend to be zero for the
-22:-
forecasts of long-term average monthly flows. In view of the approxima-
tions used to develop these estimates of errors, computations for standard
errors of forecasts for all the months are not considered necessary. The
above-mentioned values provide an approximate idea of the largest expected
errors of forecasts.
In view of the discussions provided in the previous sections, the in-
formation given in Table 4-1 is considered to be a reasonable estimate of
the mean monthly sequential streamflows of the Tazimina River at the pro-
posed dam site. A comparison of the mean monthly flows estimated in this
study with those obtained in a previous study (Ref. 1) is shown in
Table 4-2. It is noted that the mean monthly flows estimated in this study
are about 20 percent lower than those obtained in the AEIDC study (Ref. 1)
for the months of January, February, March, April and November, but are
significantly higher for the months of May, June, July, August, September
and October. The flows for December are only 9 percent higher. A brief
discussion on the results of these studies is given in the following
paragraphs.
The average annual runoff per square mile of drainage area for six
streams in the southwest region of Alaska, which is the region of interest
for this study, is shown in Table 4-3. The average annual runoff for the
Tazimina River estimated in this study and that of AEIDC (Ref. 1) is also
shown in Table 4-3.
As demonstrated by the values in Table 4-3, the runoff yield per square
mile of drainage area decreases with the size of the watershed. An empiri-
cal relation between annual runoff, precipitation and temperature developed
from 27 small watersheds in the Nilgiri hills of the Indian Peninsula is
given below (Ref. 18):
Q = 1.511 pl •44 / Tl •34 AO.06l3
In this equation, Q = annual runoff (em), P = annual precipitation (em),
.11
.!II.
til.
••
••
.,
..
••
1liii'
••
••
Year Janu,,~y'
1941
42 2/,8
43 80
44 217
45 275
1.6 248
41 1/,6
48 160
49 ]11
1950 150
51 121
52 107
5] 280
54 144
55 288
56 98
51 265
58 294
59 162
1960 275
61 272
62 185
63 257
64 188
65 189
66 206
61 211
68 170
69 99
1970 86
1l 91
72 151
7J 147
74 15)
75 178
76 174
77 ]04
TABLE 4-1
ESTIMATED ~tEAN MONTHLY FLOWS OF THE TAZIMINA RIVER -AVERAGE OF METHOD 1 AND METHOD 2
(cfs)
February AprH ~ June July ~UgU8t Sel!tember October November
1,544 2,927 3,571 1,901 2,335 1,395 270
143 114 151 1,972 3.017 3,247 2.650 2.156 523 226
120 10] 112 639 3,228 2,923 2.741 1.488 2.486 276
142 107 84 1,716 2.331 3.118 3.108 1,137 1,376 322
125 103 18 156 1,542 3,182 2,173 1,918 1.906 230
107 136 U8 1.128 3.532 3.224 2.199 1.186 4,169 202
114 125 102 791 . 1.724 3.325 1,91] 1.114 1,682 ]62
95 104 96 496 2.336 2.701 2.342 1.255 522 316
97 11] 53 184 1.6]1 2.213 2,154 1.724 1.]42 ]97
64 95 12 /• 117 4.858 2.115 2,976 1.800 915 299
12] 91 104 316 ],287 3,281 2,]6] 2,0]6 155 ]20
79 77 92 14] 1,668 ],219 2,891 1,212 1,6]8 610
lit 1 168 232 165 3,813 3.561 ],205 1.906 755 320
]06 90 101 511 1,149 2.100 2.508 1.880 86] 564
148 132 ]21 211 1,516 ],951 2,6]4 1,411 473 231
83 82 96 268 1,694 3.143 2,316 1.607 370 121
92 92 102 584 2,163 3.242 1,822 1.819 1,216 611
11.2 121 113 1,068 3,819 3.202 2,441 1.250 634 191
113 15 97 601 1,546 2,1.91 2.414 1.135 463 286
118 90 90 1.389 2.915 3.610 2.509 1,621 1.113 355
123 87 95 635 4.216 3.191 2.179 3.629 2,015 393
121 102 121 118 4.109 4.292 2,092 1.209 675 242
126 181 110 69] 4,688 4.981 3.511 2.254 876 27]
108 108 92 962 5,514 2.815 2,028 1.720 1.]]0 276
128 J57 126 882 1,441 2.389 2, ]49 3,128 1.670 335
14/, 96 98 628 3,326 2.113 2,680 1,742 1.080 548
125 130 116 588 5,192 4,806 4,182 1,934 170 855
III 94 102 1,869 2,296 3,444 2.116 1,118 460 213
109 111 109 520 2,270 3,813 2,287 1,428 3,514 241
13] 127 116 600 2,9]8 2,666 2,410 1,224 2,283 437
144 120 110 512 2,585 2.590 3,445 1.698 3.255 287
119 110 109 424 1.174 3.443 2,213 2.139 2.160 266
103 142 108 256 4.862 2.119 2,112 1.456 1.962 214
91 133 115 598 1,613 3,416 2.253 2.160 1,443 340
9] 104 113 693 4.481 3.240 1.924 2.516 902 359
91 lJ6 1] ] 209 1.200 3.166 1.911 1.963 8]1 546
140 116 131 1.69] 2.160 ].531 2.325 2,511 912 362
December
422
520
852
415
191
451
482
463
184
176
189
441'
224 I
292 N
l;.)
160 I
223
423
238
288
391
353
266
390
306
351
358
372
117
351
439
597
307
379
327
274
272
182
~!!nuary
AIUnG
Stlllly
!lamea t.
H"on~ Study
2~O
J97
TABLE 4-2
COMPARISON OF ESTIMM'ED AVERAGE MONTHLY STREAMFIJOWS FOR TilE TAZIMINA RIVER
(ds)
February March April ~ June July August September October November
190 170 170 ~20 1,260 1,890 1,980 1,620 990 570
115 113 110 761 2,889 3,25~ 2,560 1,8~~ 1,388 350
December ---
)20
]50
Avelage
All IIUaJ_
820
1,168
I
N
.p-
I
Stream
Tanalian
Tazimina*
Newhalen
Kvichak
Nushagak
Kuskokwim
-25-
TABLE 4-3
AVERAGE ANNUAL RUNOFF
OF SELECTED STREAMS IN SOUTHWEST ALASKA
Drainage Area
(5q mi)
200
327
3,478
6,500
14,100
43,600
Runoff
(cis/sq mi)
3.18
3.56 Dames
2.51 AEIDC
2.67
2.65
1.4
1.4
*Estimated values
Source
Ref. 4
& Moore Study (Table 4-2)
Study (Table 4-2)
Ref. 4
Ref. 16
Ref. 17
Ref. 17
-26-
A = watershed area (sq km), and T = mean annual temperature (OC). Although
this equation was developed for a region far removed from Bristol Bay, the
fundamental re1ationahip between the variables will have the same form for
any region. It is interesting to note that the drainage area component of
this relationship (i.e., Q varies as A-0.0613) fits the Newha1en and
Tana1ian River data almost exactly, and the Newha1en and Kvichak River data
within an error of 4 percent presumably because of the differences in P and
T for the two basins.
This information also demonstrates that the runoff yield per square
mile of drainage area decreases with the size of the basin and is not con-
stant as assumed in the AEIDC study (Ref. 1). In fact, the net effect of
the adjustments in the AEIDC study has resulted in an opposite trend. Note
that the runoff yield of 2.51 cfs/sq mi estimated by AEIDC for the 327
squ&re mile drainage area of the Tazimina River is less than the 2.67 cfs/
sq mi for the 3,478 square mile drainage area of the Newha1en River (Table
4-3). In addition, the contribution of other variables, e.g., precipita-
tion, temperature, etc. is also significant. As shown in Table 4-3, the
runoff yield of the Tazimina River basin estimated in this study is slightly
higher than that of the Tana1ian River basin, even though the areal extent
of the latter is smaller. This is possible because the average annual pre-
cipitation in the Tazimina River basin is estimated to be higher than the
Tana1ian River basin, and the hydrologic response of the latter is affected
by the storage and moderation provided by the glacier located in its upper
portion.
According to the NOAA isohyeta1 map for mean annual precipitation in
Alaska with an iso1ine interval of 4 inches (Ref. 19), a major portion of
the Tazimina River basin lies between the 24-inch and 60-inch isohyeta1s,
that of the Tana1ian River basin lies between the 20-inch and 24-inch
isohyeta1s, and that of the Newha1en River basin lies between the 16-inch
and 60-inch isohyeta1s. The area in the Newha1en River basin between the
24-inch and 60-inch isohyeta1s is almost the same as that in the Tazimina
River basin and forms a very small portion (less than 10 percent) of the
-27-
total drainage area of the Newhalen River. This indicates that the
average annual precipitation in the Tazimina River basin is higher than
that in the Newhalen or Tanalian River basin.
According to another National Weather Service isohyetal map with an
isoline interval of 20 inches (Ref. 17 or 20). the Newhalen River basin
lies between the 20-inch and 40-inch isohyetals with small pockets bounded
by 80-inch isohyetals. This is in general agreement with the isohyetal map
in Reference 19. The interval of the isolines on this map is too large to
distinguish the average annual precipitation in the Tanalian River basin
from that in the Tazimina River basin.
The climatological station at Port Alsworth is located near the mouth
of the Tanalian River approximately 24 miles northeast from the mouth of
the Tazimina River. The climatological station at Iliamna is approximately
14 miles south of the mouth of the Tazimina River (Fig. 2-1). Therefore,
it appears reasonable to assume that the precipitation in the lower portion
of the Tanalian River basin is nearly the same as at Port Alsworth and that
in the lower portion of the Tazimina River basin is between the recorded
values at Port Alsworth and Iliamna. The average annual precipitation at
Port Alsworth (1961-77) is 17.65 inches and that at Ilimana (1943-68) is
26.21 inches (Ref. 3). There are no climatological records available for
any station in the upper portions of the three watersheds except the iso-
hyetal maps mentioned previously. These isohyetals indicate that the
annual precipitation in the upper portions of the Tazimina. Tanalian and
Newhalen River basins is much higher than that at Iliamna or Port Alsworth.
The average annual runoffs of the Tanalian and Newhalen rivers are 44 and
36 inches. respectively (Table 4-3) which are much higher than the above-
mentioned average annual precipitations at Iliamna and Port Alsworth.
This confirms that the annual precipitation in the upper portions of the
three drainage basins is much higher than that at Iliamna or Port Alsworth.
The aforementioned climatologic information demonstrates that the
average annual precipitation in the Tazimina River basin is generally
•
.. -
-..
--..
• ., ..
-.. .. .. -
-
• .. ..
-28-
higher than that in the Newhalen and Tanalian River basins. Therefore.
the annual runoff per square mile of drainage area for the Tazimina River
basin is expected to be higher than that for the Newhalen or Tanalian
River basin which is the trend displayed by the results of this study
shown in Table 4-3.
Provisional data for the mean monthly flows of the Tazimina River at
the USGS gaging station from June, 1981 to February, 1982 (Ref. 14) indi-
cate that the mean runoff for the 9-month period was 3.6 cfs/sq mi against
the estimated mean runoff of 4.43 cfs/sq mi for the same 9-month period
(Table 4-2). The total precipitations for the period June. 1981 to February.
1982 at Iliamna and Port Alsworth were 18.04 and 17.4 inches. respectively
(Ref. 16). The average precipitation at the two stations for this period
is 17.72 inches. The long-term average precipitations for the period June
through February at Iliamna and Port Alsworth are 23.47 and 15.17 inches.
respectively. with an average of 19.32 inches for the two stations. This
indicates that the period June. 1981 to February. 1982 was drier than normal
for the Tazimina River basin. Therefore. as a consequence of reduced pre-
cipitation alone. the observed Tazimina River flow for this period should be
less than the estimated long-term average for this period. This trend is
correctly displayed by the above-mentioned actual and estimated mean runoff
values.
4.2 DAILY STREAMFLOWS FOR LOW FLOW PERIOD
The mean monthly flows of the Tazimina River presented in Table 4-1
indicate that January, February, March and April are the months of critical
low flows. To determine the storage capacity of the proposed reservoir
and the corresponding firm power. information on the daily flow~ of the
stream during these critical low flow months is required. To generate a
sequence of daily low flows for these months. the following computational
steps were used.
(i)
(ii)
-29-
Rank the mean monthly flows for the months of January,
February, March and April for the period 1941 to 1977 in an
ascending order of magnitude.
Plot the four sets of data on normal probability paper using
Weibull's plotting position (Ref. 6). These plots are shown
on Figures 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 and 4-4.
(iii) From the probability plots of Figures 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 and 4-4,
obtain the lO-year low flow for each month. These lO-year low
flows for each month are indicated on Figures 4-1, 4-2, 4-3
and 4-4.
(iv) Fr.om the recorded daily flows of the Tanalian River for the
months of January, February, March and April for 1952, 1953,
1954, 1955 and 1956, obtain the 5-year average daily flows
for each month. This gives an array of 5-year average daily
values for each month.
(v)
(vi)
For each of these months of low streamflows, compute the frac-
tion of the total monthly flow attributed to each day in that
month.
Use the above fractions to compute the daily flows for each
month from the lO-year low total monthly flows for these four
months computed previously.
The resulting daily flows for the lO-year low flows for January,
February, March and April are shown in Table 4-4.
..
-
-.. .. -..
..
--.,
...
-
-.. ..
• -
_._JABIL Z LOc-LES
KEUFFEL &: ESSER CO MADE IN USA .,
10 99.999.8 99 98 95 90 60 50 40
9
8
7
6
5
4
200 --
CI.l
f.L<
U
CI.l
f't;.l
t..:i
~ 9
u 8
CI.l
H 7 ~
6
4
:1
2
5 60
30 20 10 5 2 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.01
I •
I
90 95 98 99 99.899.9
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
I--'
N o
N
W
I o o
CJ\
I w
0
I
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
(/)
j:>;,
U
(/)
r3 100
~ 9_
8 U
(/)
H 7 0
6
4
3
2
99 98
,,~.JA 81 Lo·.. ,,2 LO", _. ~ ~ES
KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. MAm IN USA, l
50 40 30 20
415 80~u
10 5 2 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05
90 99.899.9 99.99
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
I-'
N o
N
W
I o o
0\
I w
I-'
I
CIl
~
U
~
'-' ~ u
CIl
H
~
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
100
9
8
6
4
3
2
10
... ~..,ABIL •.. ,,2 LO(" " __ ES
KEUFFEL 8: ESSER CO, MADF IN tJ S A '*
70 60 50 40 30 20
-~
0,01 0.05 0.1 0.2 5 80
415 804u
10 5 2 0.5 0,2 0,1 0,05 om
90 95 98 99 99.899,9 99.99
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
I
W
N
I
f-'
N
0
N
W
I
0
0
0'
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
20
9
8
7
6
4
3
2
99.99 99.999.8
--, -~ ...
,,_JABIL, 2 LO~ LES
KEUFF£:L Be ESSER CO MADE IN USA •
99 98 95 90 80 70 60
2 5 10
50 40 30 20 10 5 2 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.01
95 98 99 99.99
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
i-'
N o
N
W
I o o
0\
I w w
I
-34-
TABLE 4-4
ESTIMATED DAILY STREAMFLOWS OF THE TAZIMINA RIVER FOR THE 10-YEAR LOW FLOW PERIOD
(for the critical-months of January, February, March and April)
Streamf10ws (cfs)
Day January February March April
1 107 94 86 80
2 107 94 86 80
3 107 94 86 80
4 107 94 86 80
5 107 94 86 80
6 107 94 86 80
7 107 94 86 80
8 107 94 86 80
9 107 94 86 80
10 107 94 86 80
11 107 94 86 83
12 107 94 86 83
13 107 94 86 83
14 107 94 86 83
15 107 94 86 83
16 99 93 85 99
17 99 93 85 99
18 99 93 85 99
19 99 93 85 99
20 99 93 85 99
21 99 93 86 101
22 99 93 86 101
23 99 93 86 101
24 99 93 86 101
25 99 93 86 101
26 84 93 86 101
27 84 93 86 101
28 84 93 86 101
29 84 86 101
30 84 86 101
31 84 86
-35-
5.0 PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD
5.1 BASIN CHARACTERISTICS
Basin characteristics for the Tazimina River watershed at the mouth
of Lower Tazimina Lake are presented and discussed in the following sec-
tions. These characteristics are general in nature and represent physi-
ography, soils, vegetation, and climate. Subsequent sections of this
report utilize these characteristics in estimating the probable maximum
flood (PMF).
5.1.1 PHYSIOGRAPHY
Located within the Bristol Bay region of southwestern Alaska, the
drainage basin of the Tazimina River at the outlet of Lower Tazimina Lake
encompasses an area of approximately 273 square miles (Figures 2-1 and 5-1).
Bounded on the north, east and south by mountainous terrain, the basin has
a maximum elevation of approximately 6,000 feet (MSL) and a minimum eleva-
tion of approximately 660 feet (MSL). The mean elevation is approximately
2,500 feet (MSL).
The drainage basin (Figure 5-1) is elongated in shape with a length
of approximately 32 miles and an average width of approximately 8.5 miles.
TWo large lakes, Upper Tazimina Lake and Lower Tazimina Lake, account for
approximately 4 percent of the basin area. Average gradients for the
Tazimina River range from approximately 171 feet per mile near the head-
waters to 9.5 feet per mile for the reach between Upper and Lower Tazimina
Lakes. The total length of the river including both lakes is approximately
36 miles with an overall average channel slope of 65 feet per mile.
5.1.2 SOILS
Geologically, soils within the basin are classified as humic cryorthods
FIGURE 5-1
T AZIMINA RIVER BASIN
I w
1(3\
I
-37-
and rough mountainous lands. The humic cryorthod association occupies
the foot slopes of the mountains and moraine hills, while thin and stony
soils over the bedrock make up the steep, rocky slopes of the rough,
mountainous lands (Ref. 7).
Within the mountain foot slope areas, silty volcanic ash, 10 to 24
inches thick, is underlain by very gravelly glacial fill. Valleys and
depressions consist of very poorly drained fibrous peat with shallow perma-
frost. Ridgetop soils are well drained, shallow over bedrock and consist
of silty volcanic ash containing rock fragments.
Conversation with Mr. Louis Fletcher of the Soil Conservation Service
(SCS) in Anchorage indicated that the soils in this area could be placed in
the B or C hydrologic soil classification.
5.1.3 VEGETATION
Vegetation within the basin consists of both wetland and upland types.
In the Ouskeg wetland areas, which commonly occur within depressions and
valley bottoms, the vegetation is predominately sedges and mosses. Upland
vegetation includes forest ranges, woodland and shrubs. Forests of white
spruce and paper birch are dominant on steeper slopes while black spruce
is dominant on more gentle slopes. On high ridgetops and slopes above
treeline, the vegetation is dominated by dwarf birch, low shrubs, willow,
alder, grasses and mosses (Ref. 7).
Ground cover within the forested areas consists chiefly of a thick
moss carpet or dense lichen. Estimates of the percentages of this ground
cover range from 5 percent to 80 percent depending upon the type of forest.
Humus depths vary from 2 to 6 inches.
'Based on USGS topographic maps, the forested area including muskegs
was determined to be approximately 129 square miles or 47 percent of the
entire basin.
-38-
5.1.4 CLIMATE
The climatic characteristics of this region are influenced by both
maritime and continental characteristics and, as such, the region is
generally placed within the transitional zone. Though open to the ocean,
the waters of the Bering Sea are cooler than those of the North Pacific.
This, combined with the lack of major orographic barriers,precludes any
sharp boundary between maritime influences along the coast and continental
characteristics of the interior. The region loses much of its maritime
influence during the winter due to ice cover over a large part of the
Bering Sea.
Low-pressure systems moving northeastward across the Bering Sea are
primarily associated with heavy daily precipitation in the region. The
monthly distribution of large daily precipitation amounts indicates the
heaviest precipitation occurs during the months of July through October
(Ref. 8).
Currently, no weather recording stations are located within the
Tazimina River basin. However, two weather stations, one at Iliamna and
one at Port Alsworth, are located within the region. Both these stations
are located adjacent to large lakes, Iliamna Lake and Lake Clark. re-
spectively. As such, the climatic records of these two stations may be
somewhat affected by the lakes.
5.2 PROBABLE MAXIMUM PRECIPITATION
As input to the development of the PMF hydrograph, estimates of the
probable maximum precipitation (PMP) were made for the basin. Isohyetal
maps and procedures presented in the United States Weather Bureau, Tech-
nical Paper Number 47 (T.P. 47), "Probable Maximum Precipitation and
Rainfall Frequency Data for Alaska" (Ref. 8), were utilized.
•
•
--..
.. ..
-..
-
..
•
.. ..
-39-
Precipitation depths (point values) for 6-hour and 24-hour durations
were estimated from the isohyeta1 mans and plotted on a depth-duration
diagram obtained from T.P. 47 (Ref. 8). Using this diagram, precipitation
depths for intermediate durations between 6 and 24 hours were determined.
An additional depth-duration diagram from T.P. 47 was further utilized to
determine depths for durations less than 6 hours.
All of these values were then adjusted for the drainage area and a
site-specific depth-duration curve constructed. This curve is shown on
Figure 5-2 and a tabulation of precipitation depths for various durations
is presented in Table 5-1.
5.3 UNIT HYDROGRAPH
Because of a lack of streamflow data for the Tazimina River, synthetic
unit hydro graph methods were utilized to develop the PMF hydrograph. A
synthetic unit hydrograph was developed to represent streamflow conditions
at the outlet of Lower Tazimina Lake. In developing the synthetic unit
hydro graph , it is assumed that the precipitation event occurs within a
specified unit of time and is uniformly spread over the contributing
drainage basin.
Procedures developed by the SCS as described in the United States
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) publication "Design of Small Dams" (Ref. 9),
and the SCS "National Engineering Handbook, Section 4, Hydrology" (Ref. 10)
were used to develop the unit hydro graph for the basin.
5.3.1 TIME OF CONCENTRATION
Initial input to the hydro graph development consisted of determining
the time of concentration or travel time for the basin. Because of the
presence of the two large lakes, the basin was divided into four separate
reaches and individual times of concentration were calculated and summed
9
V) w 8 :::t:
U
Z
t-'
Z .......
:::t:
t-o.. w 6 Cl
-J
-J
<::(
lJ... 5 z .......
4
3
2
-40-
1/2 1 2 3 4
TIME DURATION
SOURCE:
UNITED STATES WEATHER BUREAU
TECHNICAL PAPER NO. 47
PROBABLE MAXIMUM PRECIPITATION
AND RAINFALL-FREQUENCY DATA
FOR ALASKA
6 8 10 12 24
IN HOURS
FIGURE
TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN
DEPTH-DURATION CURVE
Duration
(hours)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
-41-
TABLE 5-1
PROBABLE MAXIMUM PRECIPITATION
UZDln1A RIVER BASIN. ALASKA
Precipitation
(inches)
1.9
3.7
4.8
5.9
6.8
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.2
9.8
10.2
10.5
Duration
(hours
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Precipitation
(inches)
10.9
11.3
11.6
12.1
12.3
12.5
12.7
13.0
13.2
13.4
13.6
13.8
-42-
to obtain the total time of concentration. The first reach consisted of
the Tazimina River from the headwaters to Upper Tazimina Lake, the second
reach consisted of the length of Upper Tazimina Lake, the third reach con-
sisted of the Tazimina River between Upper and Lower Tazimina Lake, and
the fourth reach consisted of the length of Lower Tazimina Lake.
For the first and third reaches (river sections), the following equa-
tion (Ref. 9) was used to develop the time of concentration:
where
{Jl. 9 L 3)0.385
Tc =\. H
Tc = time of concentration in hours,
L = length of watercourse in miles, and
H -elevation difference in feet.
For the second and fourth reaches (lake sections), the time of con-
centration was calculated by first determining the flood wave velocity
through the lake and then dividing by the length of the lake. Since the
depth to length ratio for both lakes is less than 0.1, they can be con-
sidered as shallow and the following equation used (Ref. 11):
where
Vw = flood wave velocity in feet per second,
. 2 g = gravitational acceleration, 32.2 feet per second , and
Dm -mean water depth in feet.
Summation of the individual times of concentration resulted in a
total time of concentration from the headwaters of Tazimina River to the
outlet of Lower Tazimina Lake of approximately 7.5 hours. The individual
reach parameters and times of concentration are presented in Table 5-2.
Reach
1
2
3
4
-43-
TABLE 5-2
TIMES OF CONCENTRATION
TAZIMINA RIVER BASL.'I
Length.
Description (miles)
Tazimina River headwaters to 13.4
Upper Tazimina Lake
Upper Tazimina Lake 8.3
Tazimina River Between Lakes 6.3
Lower Tazimina Lake 8.0
Total 36.0
Times of Concentration
(hours)
2.7
0.2
4.5
0.2
7.6
-44-
5.3.2 OTHER PARAMETERS
After determining the times of concentration, the remaining unit hy-
drograph parameters were calculated. A triangular-shaped unit hydrograph
was assumed and the corresponding equations as presented in Reference 9
were utilized. These parameters are presented in Table 5-3. The shape of
the unit hydro graph and corresponding ordinates are shown on Figure 5-5.
5.4 PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD HYDROGRAPH
The incremental PMP and unit hydrograph ordinates were combined to
produce the probable maximum flood hydrograph. Two PMF hydrographs were
developed; the first using the PMP event alone, and the second using the
PMP event combined with snowmelt. Both hydro graphs are shown on Figure 5-5.
Discussions regarding their construction are presented in the following
sections.
5.4.1 SEQUENCE OF INCREMENTAL PRECIPITATION
Since the hourly sequence of a rainfall event cannot be predicted
with certainty, the hourly increments of the PMP hydro graph were rearranged
to produce the optimal sequence of precipitation that would produce the
maximum flood peak. Two separate methods were used:
Method A: Generalized sequence as proposed by the United States Army
Corp of Engineers (USACE) (Ref. 12);
Method B: Optimal sequence as proposed in the Journal of The Hydraulics
Division, ASCE, December, 1978, Technical Note, "Optimal
Sequence of Incremental Precipitation" (Ref. 13).
The sequences of incremental precipitation resulting from both the
methods are presented in Table 5-4. The peak of the PMF hydro graph using
Method B was approximately 1 percent higher than the one produced by using
Method A. As a result, the rainfall sequence utilizing Method B was used.
A comparison of the flood hydro graph ordinates reSUlting from each method
is presented in Table 5-5.
-45-
TABLE" 5-3
SYNTHETIC UNIT HYDROGRAPH PARAMETERS
TAZL'1L'lA RIVER BASIN
Parameter
Duration
Time of Concentration
Time to Peak
Time of Base
Peak Discharge
1 hour
7.5 hours
5 hours
13 hours
26,500 cfs
-46-
TABLE 5-4
CRITICALLY SEQUENCED PRECIPITATION INCREMENTS
TAZTMINA RIVER BAS IN
Generalized Optimal
Time Sequenc.e Sequenc.e
(hours) (inches) (inches)
1 0.2 0.2
2 0.2 0.2
3 0.2 0.2
4 0.2 0.3
5 0.3 0.3
6 0.4 0.4
7 0.4 0.4
8 0.5 0.5
9 0.6 0.5
10 0.7 0.7
11 1.1 0.9
12 1.8 1.1
13 1.9 1.8
14 1.1 1 .9
15 0.9 1.1
16 0.7 0.7
17 0.5 0.6
18 0.5 0.5
19 0.4 0.4
20 0.3 0.3
21 0.3 0.2
22 0.2 0.2
23 0.2 0.2
24 0.2 0.2
-47-
TABLE 5-5
COMPARISON OF PMF HYDROGRAPHS USING THE GENERALIZED
AND OPTIMAL SEQUENCES OF INCREMENTAL EXCESS RAINFALL
PMF Hldro~raEh
t:. Runoff t:. Runoff
Generalized Optimal Generalized Optimal
Time Rainfall Sequence Rainfall Sequence Sequence Sequence
(hrs) (inches) (inches) (cfs) Ccfs)
0 0 0 0 0
1 0.01 0.01 53 53
2 0.10 0.10 636 636
3 0'.13 0.13 1,908 1,908
4 0.16 0.24 4,028 4,452
5 0.25 0.26 7,473 8,374
6 0.36 0.37 12,740 14,171
7 0.38 0.37 19,160 21,068
8 0.48 0.48 27,004 29,389
9 0.58 0.49 36,544 38,240
10 0.69 0.69 47,588 48,509
11 1.08 0.88 61,256 60,256
12 1. 79 1.09 81,138 74,592
13 1.89 1. 79 106,904 94,283
14 1.10 1.90 133,537 119,857
15 0.89 1.09 159,276 145,596
16 0.70 0.70 179,855 167,897
17 0.50 0.60 188,198 184,785
18 0.50 0.50 183,741 189,769
19 0.40 0.40 173,124 181,735
20 0.30 0.30 157,690 167,129
21 0.30 0.20 139,407 149,144
22 0.20 0.20 119,798 128,675
23 0.20 0.20 99,228 107,244
24 0.20 0.20 79,846 86,341
25 63,809 66,463
26 51,452 50,790
27 41,016 44,662
28 31,806 30,481
29 23,192 21,867
30 22,198 15,241
31 10,934 10,272
32 6,959 6,627
33 3,977 3,977
34 1.989 1.989
35 663 663
36 0 0
-48-
5.4.2 DIRECT RUNOFF
Because of infiltration, evaporation and transpiration, some precipi-
tation falling within the basin does not contribute to storm runoff. To
predict the amount of direct runoff resulting from the probable maximum
precipitation, the SCS "Runoff Curve Number Method" (Ref. 10) was utilized.
This method is based on antecedent moisture conditions and soils, vegetation
and runoff characteristics of the basin.
To estimate the curve number applicable for the Tazimina River basin,
the runoff characteristics and the soils and vegetation characteristics
were analyzed independently.
Discharge records from a USGS gaging station located on the Tazimina
River were compared with rainfall records at Port Alsworth. Although con-
tinuous discharge records were available only for the months of July,
August and September, 1981, two prominent storm event hydro graphs wera
evident, August 1 to 10 and August 11 to 20. The hydro graphs for each
storm are shown on Figures 5-3 and 5-4, respectively (Ref. 14).
Assuming a baseflow discharge for each hydrograph, the storm runoff
volume was calculated. Rainfall depths at Port Alsworth for the corres-
ponding storm periods (Figures 5-3 and 5-4) were assumed to cover the
entire drainage basin upstream of the USGS gage and the volume of rainfall
calculated. Using this volume and the runoff volume, the runoff coefficient
and applicable curve number were calculated for each storm. The first storm
resulted in a curve number of 83 and the second in a curve number of 84.
The antecedent preCipitation amounts for both storms were such that
AMC II conditions could be assumed. Since the occurrence of a PMF event
assumes AMC III (saturated) conditions, the curve numbers obtained were
adjusted for this condition. This resulted in a curve number of 93 for
the basin.
0
Vl
w 0.5 :x::
u z .......
z 1.0
......
.....J
.....J 1.5 <C u...
z .......
2.0
2.5
-49-
.
!::
+----~-+---~.~~--r--+--,
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
DATE
HYETOGRAPH
Vl w :x:: u z ......
z .......
.....J
.....J
<C u... z .......
<C a::
Cl
W
I-
<C
.....J
:=> ~ u u
<C
2.5 I I I
2.0
2.07 incheS~
If'"
/ 1.5
/ 1.0 / 0.5 I / 0 31 1 2 3
DATE
MASS-RAINFALL
4000~--~~--~--~--~~--~--~--~~--~--~--~--I
_ 3210 CFS ~
3000 r '~
Vl
u...
u / ................... i'--._-
./ ESTIMATED BASE FLOW ~ I '~ -
-+---~ ....... t.~-t-t-t-----1-,---7' ~
z .............. .......
.............. w 2000 c.o
ASSUMED BEGINNING .ESTIMATED ~ a::
<C :x::
RAINFALL EXCESS RECESSION CURVE u
Vl .......
Cl
1000
11
O~~~~~~~~~~~~~I~~ 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
JULY 1981 AUGUST 1981
HYDROGRAPH
DRAINAGE AREA =327 SQUARE MILES
VOLUME RAINFALL =2.07 INCHES
VOLUME RUNOFF =0.72 INCHES
5-DAY ANTECEDENT RAINFALL=0.38 INCHES
ESTIMATED RUNOFF CURVE NUMBER = 83
FIGURE 5-3
SOURCE:
RAINFALL FROM PORT ALSWORTH STATION
HYDROGRAPH FOR USGS RECORDS TAZIMINA
RIVER, STATION AT RIVER MILE 11.6
TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN
HYDROGRAPH AND
RAINFALL AUGUST 1-10
~
I..I.J
::t:
U
Z -
z -
.....
~
I..i...
U
z -
-50-
~ 2.5 1
::t:
U
Z ..... 2. 0 +-+-~I--!-+-+~-I
z .....
2.0+---~-4--~--4---~-4--~--~
8 9 10
HYETOGRAPH
11 12
DATE
13 14 15 9 10 1112131415 16
DATE
MASS-RAINFALL
4000 ~--~~--~--~--~~I--~--~--~~--~--~--~~
3100 CF~~ -3000 +--+--t---t--t--+-+/--:a-"'~-=F-~ ..... d-,,-+--+--r---+---I
.,/ ~
........... -...... .--+-........ .-.::;~;;.. -------. _. --r ~ ..............
\ I ESTI~ATE~ BASE FLOW.7 ..............
2000 +---r-~---r~+-~---r--+--4~-+--4---~-.--~--4 ~ ASSUMED
1
BEGI1N N IN~
RAINFALL EXCESS I
1000 +---+---r--4---r--~--+---~-4--~--~--~--~-4--~
O~~~~I~i~~~~
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 20
HYDROGRAPH AUGUST 1981
DRAINAGE AREA =327 SQUARE MILES
VOLUME RAINFALL =1.36 INCHES
VOLUME RUNOFF =0.33 INCHES FIGURE 5-4 5-DAY ANTECEDENT RAINFALL=0.04 INCHES
ESTIMATED RUNOFF CURVE NUMBER = 84
SOURCE:
RAINFALL FROM PORT ALSWORTH STATION
HYDROGRAPH FOR USGS RECORDS TAZIMINA
RIVER, STATION AT RIVER MILE 11.6
T AZIMINA RIVER BASIN
HYDROGRAPH AND
RAINFALL AUGUST 11-20
-51-
As an independent check, a curve number was calculated using the
available soils and vegetation data. Assuming that 47 percent of the
basin is forested, 4 percent water-covered and the remaining 49 percent
mountainous, a weighted curve number of 79 was determined for AMC II con-
ditions. This corresponds to a curve number of 91 for AMC III conditions,
slightly less than the 93 developed from the rainfall-runoff analysis. The
data and assumptions used in this analysis are presented in Table 5-6.
To develop a conservative estimate of the probable maximum flood, the
curve number was adjusted upward to 95 to reflect frozen ground and/or
snow-covered conditions. Also, because of the shallow permafrost depth,
it was assumed that any deep percolation would be negligible.
The PMF hydro graph resulting from the PMP alone is shown on Figure 5-5
along with the corresponding rainfall hyetograph. The peak discharge is
approximately 190,000 cfs and the runoff volume is approximately 12.9 inches,
or 187,800 acre-feet. This corresponds to a 24-hour rainfall depth of 13.8
inches.
5.4.3 SNOWMELT RUNOFF
Since the possibility exists for a PMP event to occur at a time when
the basin is covered by snowpack, a PMF hydro graph was developed combining
both rainfall and snowmelt runoff. Because snowpack and water content
data are not available for the basin, a generalized equation developed by
the USACE was used to estimate snowment resulting from rainfall on snow.
The equation is as follows (Ref. 6):
where
M = (0.029 + 0.0084 kv + 0.007 Pr) (Ta -32) + 0.09
M -snowmelt per 24 hours in inches,
k = basin constant,
v = wind speed in miles per hour,
Pr -rate of precipitation in inches per day, and
Ta = air temperature of the basin in degrees Fahrenheit.
Land Type
Forest
Lakes
Mountains
-52-
TABLE 5-6
RUNOFF CURVE NUM:BER ANALYSIS
BASED ON SOILS AND VEGETATION DATA
TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN
Percent of Hydrologic Curve
Basin Soil Grout) , Number
47 B 70
4 100
49 C 85
Weighted
Curve Number
33
4
42
Actual Weighted Curve Number 79
(/)
W
:::I:
W z
z
z
0
l-
~
l-........
CL
w w n:::
0-
(/)
LJ..
w
0
0
0
r-I
z
w
~ ex:
~
:::I:
W
(/)
.......
Cl
0
1.0
2.0
3.0
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
NOTES:
~ -t----,. i i
DRAINAGE AREA ~273 SQUARE MILES
VOLUME RAINFALL =1308 INCHES
VOLUME RAINFALL + SNOWMELT =18.6 INCHES
VOLUME RUNOFF RAINFALL =
. -.--+-. i i SNo\~MEL T . . t r . T ._-+
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
DURATION IN HOURS
24-HOUR SYNTHETIC STORM HYETOGRAPH
..\---'
-l-
~--. --+
1 --+
i
-+-__ -1--__ 1 __ .1_ -: -t
I I i
t-----+----t --t-
+----il-----+ -t -+---t-~I----T+
J-----+--j -~----+ -----+--I----I---#-.
!
t
24 26
1209 INCHES 187800 ACRE-FEET
VOLUME RUNOFF RAINFALL + SNOWMELT =
17.7 INCHES 257,700 ACRE-FEET
RUNOFF CURVE NUMBER = 95
ANTECEDENT MOISTURE CONDITION ~ III
I
-l.
j t -t-
:
t
; I
---~--+-
I
,
I
t
I
r
+-
I ---+ -_.--r
I
-, .
I ~ J ~ -
.). -+ l---..
I I I I -.-.-+-+ .~---+ i --+ ---,-
PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD
FOR RAINFALL EVENT (PMPj
~~--+-~-t ---t-I -l'~'--+-----t _-.... -+. -------i--.--;:----I
I --T'----+-!
I-----l--+----+..' --+---I--------i~_I_+_--__r__-----+-.--+-
+-I .
PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD
FOR RAINFALL (PMP) +
SNOWMELT EVENT ---+---
+---'-T--'" -<----+------+--+-+---+-+----1----t-----1-. -----t-.. ----1
I----+--1-----+-----+------~_-4----i -t---+-.L ----1 .. --,---
! I 1 1-1-' ! iii --t---t---.. --+ _. --t--r--+---+-------r-
J------4---+ l--t -. t----t-~---~----+--~I--t
+----t ~,;-:1t 1 -~L-----l--
I : ~_-/'i __ .-,1. i ---·t---+-
, , oj. t . +-----~ t---+-
--l-
--~
, ), ::,). ' ._-.+
f
-+-
i . +-
!
(/)
LJ..
w
z
w
~ ex:
~
:::I:
w
(/)
0
l' G~~~~-r---------------__ ~--~~~--4-~--4-~~~~~+-~
o 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40
DURATION IN HOURS
24-HOUR PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD HYDROGRAPH
16
14
(/) 12 w
:::I:
W z 10 ........
z
::r:: 8
I-
CL w 6 Cl
z .......
(/) 4 ~ co
w
~ 2 c::( ex:
w
> ~ 0
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
t +
PROBABLE MAXIMUM
PRECIPITATION
FROM U.S. WEATHER
BUREAU T. P. 47
t
I
I i I
~ ESTIMATED SNOWMELT
RUNOFF --
+ t
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
DURATION IN HOURS
DEPTH-DURA TION CURVE
t .;.
I
I -+ --t-
I TIME OF
CONCENTRATION
= 8 HOURS
I I t --4
i
i
---+ ----.l.--i-I
t
UNIT HYDROGRAPH
ORDINATES
TIME DISCHARGE
(HOURS) (CFS)
-1'-5300
2 10600
3 15900
4 21200
5 26500
6 23188
7 19876
8 16564
9 13252
10 9940
11 6628
12 3316
13 0
0~--~~~-+---r--~--~1-+---+L-----L------~
o 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
DURATION IN HOURS
1-HOUR SYNTHETIC UNIT HYDROGRAPH
FIGURE 5-5
TAZIMINA RIVER BASIN
PROBABLE MAXIMUM
FLOOD HYDROGRAPH
In
T
!I
II;
I:
1
!
I ,
i
I:
I
:,
I
'1
I
I
il
1!
-54-
In the absence of adequate information, the variables included in the
equation have to be estimated by judgement. The basin constant, k, varies
between 1 and 0.3 with 1 representing unforested plains and 0.3 heavily
forested areas. For the forest-covered Tazimina River basin, a conserva-
tive value of 0.5 was used. Wind speed data for Port Alsworth were not
available; however, records of some measurements at Iliamna are available.
Using these data, an average wind speed (v) of 10 miles per hour was as-
sumed. The rate of precipitation, Pr, was assumed to be equal to the
24-hour PMP, 13.8 inches. The heaviest precipitation generally occurs
during the months of July through October. During this period, snowpack
has only been recorded in October. Therefore, the maximum recorded tempera-
ture for October at Port Alsworth was used as a basis to estimate the vari-
able, Ta. This temperature was 66 degrees Fahrenheit which was reduced by
3 degrees Fahrenheit per 1,000 feet of elevation to account for
the difference in elevation between Port Alsworth and the mean elevation
of the Tazimina River basin. The resulting temperature value, Ta, was
60 degrees Fahrenheit. Use of these variables in the equation resulted
in a 24-hour snowmelt of approximately 4.8 inches. In the absence of de-
tailed site-specific information, this total snowmelt runoff was assumed
to be uniformly distributed during the 24-hour PMP and over the entir
basin. This resulted in 0.2 inches per hour of runoff contributed by
snowmelt.
The PMF hydro graph resulting from this condition is shown on Figure 5-5
along with the corresponding rainfall plus snowmelt hyetograph. The peak
discharge is approximately 225,000 cfs, and the runoff volume is approxi-
mately 17.7 inches, or 257,700 acre-feet. This corresponds to a 24-hour
rainfall plus snowmelt depth of 18.6 inches.
-55-
6.0 REFERENCES
1. Methodology for Estimating Pre-project Streamflows in the Tazimina
River, Alaska, Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center
2. Bristol Bay Energy and Electric Power Potential, Phase I, U.S.
Department of Energy, Alaska Power Administration, December, 1979.
3. Climatological Data, Alaska, Volume 67, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, Asheville, North Carolina, 1981.
4. Water Resources Data for Alaska, U.S. Geological Survey Water-
Data Reports for Different Water Years.
5. Statistical Analysis for Business Decisions, W. A. Spurr and C. P.
Bonini, Richard D. Irwin, Inc., Homewood, Illinois, Revised Edition,
1973.
6. Handbook of Applied Hydrology, V. T. Chow, McGraw-Hill Book Company,
1964, Sections 8 and 10.
7. Exploratory Soil Survey of Alaska, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Soil Conservation Service, February, 1979.
8. Probable Maximum Precipitation and Rainfall Frequency Data for
Alaska, Technical Paper (T.P.) 47, U.S. Weather Bureau, 1963.
9. Design of Small Dams, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of
Reclamation, Revised Print, 1977.
10. National Engineering Handbook, Section 4, Hydrology, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, August, 1972.
11. Open Channel Hydraulics, V. T. Chow, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1959.
12. Standard Project Flood Determinations, EM 1110-2-1411, Civil Engineer
Bulletin No. 52-8, Department of the Army, U.S. Corps of Engineers,
Washington, D.C., March, 1965.
13. Optimal Sequence of Incremental Precipitation, Anand Prakash, Journal
of The Hydraulics Division, ASCE, December, 1978.
14. Provisional Streamflow Records (Subject to Revision), Tazimina River
near Nondalton, Station 152999000, Water Year 1981 (Personal Communi-
cation).
•
• .. ..
.. -..
--..
•
• .. -
• --.. --..
.. -..
-
• ..
•
•
-56-
15. Reconnaissance Study of the Lake Elva and Other Hydroelectric Power
Potentials in the Dillingham Area. R. W. Retherford Associates,
Anchorage, Alaska, Vol. I, 1980.
16. Personal Communication, Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation
(Alan Bjornsen), July, 1982.
17. Water Resources of Alaska, U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological
Survey, Water Resources Division, Alaska District, Open File Report,
1971.
18. Engineering Hydrology, R. S. Varshney, Nem Chand & Bros., Roorkee,
India, 1979.
19. Climates of the States, Vol. II, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce, 1974.
20. Environmental Atlas of Alaska, C. W. Hartman and P. R. Johnson,
University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2nd Edition, April, 1978.