HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Investigation of the West Creek Hydroelectric Project 1981HAS
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ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION:
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12175 Mendenhall Loop Road
'J.UNEAU, . ALASKA 99801
907 789·93·::5
OF THE WEST. CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT'
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R. W: ,Beck & Associates
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December 15, 19~1
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AUTHORSHIP AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The wildlife section of this report was completed under the direction of
o. Charles Walmo. Dr. Walmo presently resides in Boxeman Montana, after
retiring from Federal service as a research biologist. His varied and
extensive biological experience includes four years of wildlife work in
Southeast Alaska for the U.S. Forest Service. This work involved studies
of Sitka blacktail deer, and mountain goat habitats. Dr. Wallmo recently
edited the encyclopedic volume, MulearidBlack~tailed Deer Distribution
and Habitats.
Steve Jacoby, who provided vegetative mapping information for the West
Creek watershed, is a forester, graduated from Auburn University, with
five years forestry experience in Southeastern Alaska. This experience
includes growth and yield work for the U.S. Forest Service, forest inven-
tory studies for Sealaska Timber Corporation, and forest-habitat invest-
igations for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Archaeological-historical work was carried out by Tim Moore under the
direction of Professors Lyle Hubbard and Wallace Olson of the University
of Alaska, Juneau.
Tim Moore is an archaeological graduate from California State University.
His experience includes· archaeological digs in California as well as environ-
mentally related archaeological investigations. Tim is a four year resident
of Southeast Alaska.
Lyle Hubbard, who anticipates receiving his PhD in physical anthropology
in June, 1982, brings 15 years of varied Alaskan experience. He has partic-
ipated in archaeological projects in both the Pacific Northwest and Southeast
Alaska. Lyle's varied biologic training and experience provides an addition-
al basis on which to evaluate this archaeological setting.
Wallace Olson is a leading Alaskan authority on the ethnology of native
Alaskans, particularly the Tlingit culture. In this role he provided
AUTHORSHIP and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS continued:
guidance and information dealing with the native settlement at or near
Dyea.
Fisheries work was conducted under the joint guidance of Alexander Milner
and Dan Bishop. Consultation and field data were received from Steve
Elliot and Mark Schwann of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Sport-
fish Division, Juneau; Joe Wallmo and Dave Clabough of Skagway provided
valuable field assistance.
Alex Milner, M.Sc. University of London, conducted dissertational studies
of streams in Glacier Bay National Monument to determine patterns of colon-
ization and succession in streams following glacial recession. He antici-
pates receiving his doctorate in hydro-biology in Spring, 1982 from the
University of London.
Dan Bishop, Project Leader and Coordinator of West Creek investigations,
has extensive experience with the bio-hydrology of coastal Alaskan streams.
Dan worked 11 years as a research scientist and a hydrologist for the U.S.
Forest Service in Southeast Alaska before beginning land-water resource
consultant work in 1973. He has extensive experience dealing with salmon
habitat, salmon hatchery siting, water quality control and land planning
efforts.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WILDLIFE SURVEY
PURPOSE
METHODOLGY
HABITAT TYPES
Conifer Forest
Riparian Shrub
Sedge Marsh
Upland Shrub .
Tundra •
Barren Rock
Glaciers
WILDLIFE SPECIES
Mountain Goat
Moose
Sitka Black-tailed Deer
Black Bear
Brown Bear
Wolverine •
Wolf
Coyote •
Other Furbearers
Small Manunals
Waterfowl •
Grouse .
Eagles •
General Avifauna
USE OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE
Mountain Goat
Moose and Deer
Black Bear
Brown Bear
Coyote .
Wolverine .
Waterfowl
Grouse •
Eagles •
General Avifauna
MITIGATION POTENTIAL .
REFERENCES
..
ARCHAEOLOGICAL-HISTORICAL RESOURCES SURVEY
PURPOSE
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Historical Setting
Geology
Flora
1
1
3
4
8
9
9
9
9
9
10
10
10
11
11
12
12
13
13
13
13
14
14
14
14
19
19
19
20
20
21
21
21
21
22
22
22
22
24
25
25
25
27
28
METHODOLOGY 0
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES
Proposed Dam and Reservoir Site
Power Corridor
Powerhouse Site 0
Transmission Line Corridor
Powerhouse Site to Taiya River
Taiya River to Long Bay
Long Bay to Skagway 0
Alternate Transmission Line Corridors 0
POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
West Creek Drainage
Taiya River Valley 0
East Ridge to Skagway 0
Alternate Corridors
REFERENCES
FISHERIES INVESTIGATION
PURPOSE
Scope of Report 0
METHODOLOGY 0
RESULTS OF FISHERIES INVESTIGATION
West Creek and Tributaries
Above upper Gorge
West Creek and Tributaries in
Middle Basin
Lower Gorge of West Creek
West Creek Between Lower Gorge
and Taiya River Confluence
Shorelines of Lower West Creek
and Taiya River
Eulachon Spawning Habitat,
Lower West Creek Vicinity 0
POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON FISHERIES
PROTECTION, MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT
APPENDIX A-I
B-1
B-2
B-3
C-l
SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS OF WILDLIFE SURVEY AREA
CULTURAL SURVEY INTERVIEW DATA
MARINE SHELL DEPOSIT
SINGLE STEEL WIRE LINE
MEMORANDUM FROM So ELLIOTT REo DOLLY VARDEN
POPULATIONS IN WEST CREEK
29
34
34
36
37
43
43
52
59
61
62
63
63
65
65
66
67
67
68
70
70
71
71
73
73
73
76
77
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Figure 12.
Figure 13.
Figure 14.
Figure 15.
Figure 16.
Figure 17.
Figure 18.
Figure 19.
LIST OF FIGURES
Generalized habitat types within the West Creek
watershed derived from Figure 2. The approximate
area of the proposed reservoir is outlined with dots .
Vegetation type map for West Creek drainage.
The riparian zone at West Creek from the dam site
(right) to the head of the main stream. Small dots
north of stream channel represent shallow ponds in
marsh habitat. Cross-hatching represents the
approximate area of the proposed reservoir.
North end of Lynn Canal
Proposed West Creek hydroelectric project
development area
Cultural resources survey area •
Taiya River Valley
7A -Powerhouse to Mai~ Road
7B&C -Main Road to the Taiya River
Looking south at powerhouse site
South from powerhouse area showing
transmission line corridor
Junction of transmission line corridor
and main road
Looking north toward the house
shown in Figure 10 .
Mathews' cabin
West Creek road looking northeast,
Dyea lies to left
Gold rush era building SlO
West Creek road from Taiya River Bridge
towards Dyea Junction •
Chilkoot Trail
Tree alignment at #13 .
Building remains at #15
Cabin, McDermott's .
5
6
15
31
35
38
39
40, 41
42
42
45
45
46
47
47
48
49
50
50
51
Figure 20.
Figure 21.
Figure 22.
Figure 23.
Figure 24.
Figure 25.
Figure 26.
Figure 27.
Figure 28.
Figure 29.
Figure 30.
Figure 3l.
Figure 32.
Figure 33.
Figure 34.
Figure 35.
Looking southeast across cleared
land at McDermott's
Taiya River Bridge. Chilkoot Trail
trailhead on right
51
53
View south from Taiya River Bridge 53
View north toward Taiya River Bridge from 8.3 mile. 54
"Army building" 55
Marine shell deposit . 56
Marine shell deposit • 56
Green glass insulator on line from
Long Bay to Skagway 58
Skyline trail -Skagway area 60
Cabin at Skyline Trail trailhead . 61
Location of tributaries examined for
fishery habitat 69
Rapids below dam site 72
Cataract areas below dam site . 72
Cataract areas below dam site . 72
Series of falls and rapids in West Creek
lower gorge directly upstream from Taiya
River valley 74
Tributary which enters West Creek below bridge 74
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. List of bird species expected to migrate through, breed
in or reside entirely in the West Creek drainage survey
area
Table 2. Location and description of historical and contemporary
site, between West Creek and Skagway
16
32
WILDLIFE SURVEY
FOR WEST CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
PURPOSE
Assessment of wildlife resources and habitats in the West Creek drainage
system was conducted to identify potential impacts to wildlife resulting
from the West Creek Hydroelectric Project development and to recommend
mitigation. Specific objectives of the field program included:
1) Establish present patterns and potentials of wildlife uses in
the West Creek watershed, with primary emphasis on goat, moose,
and bear populations in the area of the proposed reservoir.
2) Describe and map the associated flora and relevant terrain
features which define wildlife habitat and influence use patterns.
3) Consider and evaluate possible impacts on wildlife of the pro-
posed hydroelectric development options.
4) Recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
METHODOLOGY
The survey of wildlife resources and habitats conducted in the West Creek
drainage system between 23 July and 27 August 1981, included (a) on-the-
ground examination of much of the vegetated portion of the impoundment
area and watershed above and below the proposed development site to
define the major habitat types present, (b) helicopter reconnaisance,
telescopic examination of the landscape, and the use of aerial photographs
to extrapolate the recognized habitat types to areas not examined on the
ground, (c) observation of animals and sign to estimate their distribution
and relative abundance within the watershed, and (d) interviews of indi-
-1-
vidua1s for additional knowledge of wildlife in the West Creek area.
Wildlife surveys and vegetation assessments were conducted by Dr. O.
Charles Wa11mo and Mr. Steve Jacoby, respectively.
By foot travel, thorough coverage was obtained of:
1) Most of the area within the watershed east of the longitude of
the dam site,
2) Most of the valley bottom from the dam site to the origin of the
main stream of West Creek,
3) Lower slopes of the northeasterly side of the valley from the
dam site through Sec. 1, T27S, R59E,
4) The elevation range of 2500-4500 feet in Secs. 5, 6, 8, and 9 of
T27S, R59E,
5) The elevation range of 3000-4000 feet in Secs. 19, 20, 29, 30,
and 31 of T27S, R59E and Sec. 31 of T28S, R59E, and
6) Secs. 28, 33, and 34 of T26S, R59E.
Mountainsides on the southwesterly side of the valley, including the west
side of the major, glacial tributary creek (Le., Secs. 13, 24, 25, and 26
of T27S, R59E), were not covered afoot but were subjected to intensive
binocular and telescope surveillance on several days. All of the watershed
area, except 3-4 mi2 of ice cap on the northwest end, was reconnoitered by
helicopter, landing at numerous locations in the alpine and in forest
openings to define surrounding vegetation types and look for wildlife sign.
Individuals contacted for wildlife information included:
Lynn Bennett -L.A.B. Flying Service, Juneau.
Experience: aerial game counting for Alaska Department of Fish
and Game.
Dave Clabaugh -Ranger, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park.
General experience along Taiya River .
. Lucinda Hites Clabaugh -Dyea resident.
Casual hiker lower West Creek, conservation activist.
-2-
Don Corwin -Skagway carpenter, outdoorsman.
Report of grizzly bear upper West Creek.
Bruce Edmonton -Ranger, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park.
General experience along Taiya River.
Skip Elliott -Skagway city manager.
Extensive hiking and camping in West Creek.
Steve Hites -White Pass R.R. employee; area historian.
Ray Hosford -resident of lower West Creek.
Rocky Lane -area resident, West Creek hunter.
Jack Lentfer -Supervisor, Game Division, Southeast Region, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game, Juneau.
John Matthews -Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region,
inter-agency liaison officer, Juneau.
Roy Nelson -area resident, trail crew leader for Klondike Park,
West Creek hunter.
Doug Sandvig -Skagway carpenter, outdoorsman, professional wildlife
biologist.
Marvin Taylor -Skagway Councilman, courtesy introduction only.
Gerald Watson -Supervisor of Chilkoot Trail maintenance for Klondike
Park.
Dave Zimmerman -area game biologist, Alaska Department of Fish and
Game, Juneau.
HABITAT TYPES
For simplicity and uniformity, major vegetation types were considered as
general wildlife habitat types. A generalized distribution of major vegeta-
tion types is presented; detailed analysis of understory plant associations
was considered to be beyond the scope of this project. For purposes of
discussing wildlife distribution, the vegetation/habitat types identified
within the West Creek drainage are referred to as follows:
-3-
Conifer forest
Riparian shrub
Sedge marsh
Upland shrub
Tundra
Barren rock
Glaciers
For mapping of wildlife habitat types, the distribution was simplified by
combining all conifer types and bottomland types (Figure 1). Vegetation
classifications are differentiated, however, on Figure 2.
Conifer Forest
The Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) -Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
forest type is found generally throughout the West Creek system, representing
the only vegetative type of any significant commercial value within the
confines of the study area. Within the upper three miles of West Creek,
conifer forest is found on the steep slopes rising from the basin floor,
typically extending in bands and patches up to 2000 feet on slopes ranging
from 60 per cent to nearly vertical.
Within the lower four miles of West Creek, the spruce-hemlock forest is the
major vegetative cover on the basin floor and extends throughout all eleva-
tion zones up to 2000 feet. Old growth (+150 yrs.) as well as even-aged
young growth exist within the stand. Continual disturbances, due to the
steep terrain allowing for wind and avalanche activity, promote new stand
development.
Logging in the mid-1960's removed approximately 180 acres of spruce and hem-
lock timber growing on the north side of West Creek, approximately one and
one-quarter miles westward along West Creek from Dyea. Due to the surface
disturbance by the "cat logging" that was done within the cutting unit,
alder is competing heavily with the spruce and hemlock regeneration at this
time.
-4-
Associate tree species within the spruce-hemlock forest include mountain
hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), Western paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and
black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa). Mountain hemlock is sparsely
distributed below 1200 feet, but combines with Sitka spruce to make up
the overall forest canopy in higher elevation zones. Paper birch occurs
on the Taiya River floodplain and on the low, drier east and west-facing
slopes of the drainage. Black cottonwood is typically mixed with Sitka
spruce along the glacial outwash areas and branch channels of West Creek
proper, constituting a riparian woodland habitat.
Distinct from the typical spruce-hemlock association, an approximately 55
acre stand of eighty year old Sitka spruce occurs within the impoundment
area at the confluence of West Creek and a large glacial tributary. The
dense stand is confined to a poorly-drained elevated bench, slightly above
the local elevation of West Creek. Due to the poor drainage character-
istics, the site productivity is relatively poor and the timber is small.
Common understory plants associated with the spruce-hemlock and spruce
forests throughout the West Creek area include:
Devil's club (Oplopanax horridus)
Stink currant (Ribes bracteosum)
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)
Salmonberry (Rubus spectabili~)
Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)
High-bush cranberry (Viburnum edule)
Red-berry elder (Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens)
Located on the southeast-facing slope above the Taiya River is a relatively
small band of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Pine is generally found
between 800-1300 feet elevation, but can occur in most elevation ranges in
the Skagway area. Associated species include birch, mountain hemlock,
spruce, alder and occasional cottonwood. Soils are considerably drier and
granitic outcroppings are common.
-7-
Riparian Shrub
Dense stands of alder, alder and willow, and willow (grading in this
order from better-drained to wettest sites) occur along West Creek and in
the floodplain.
The alder vegetation type, including-Sitka and red alder (Alnus sinuata and
A. rubra), comprises a significant component of the vegetative cover within
the upper third of the West Creek drainage. This includes the area ranging
from the glacier terminus at the head of the West Creek eastward along the
creek floodplain for approximately three miles, where the conifer forest
begins to dominate.
The alder within this described route of glacial retreat occurs in thickets,
creating a very dense overstory shrub canopy. Willow (Salix spp.) is a
common associate shrub species in wetter soils, and black cottonwood and
Sitka spruce are commonly found where soils are more mature.
Beneath the alder canopy there is often a well-developed fern and grass
layer, as well as an association of herb and shrub species. The most common
woody plants associated with this vegetation type include:
Devi1's club
Rusty menziesia (Menziesia ferruginea)
Stink currant
Thimb1eberry
Salmonberry
Willow
Red-berry elder
Sweet gale (Myrica gale)
High-bush cranberry
Willow shrub thickets occur within the more poorly drained areas found on
the north side of West Creek beginning approximately one and one-half miles
down stream from the glacier and extending in patches about two miles east-
ward. Due to the nature of the occurrence of willow in relation to patterns
of drainage, willows converge with the alder type in better-drained soils
and with the sedge marsh type in the wettest areas.
-8-
Sedge Marsh
Sedge marsh vegetation occurs in proximity to riparian shrub sites where
drainage is poorest. Although the vegetation is somewhat variable, the most
common association includes sedges, rushes and grasses. Thick mats of
sphagnum mosses also occur.
Upland Shrub
Alder and/or willow occur on slide slopes and mountainsides up to 2500 feet
elevation generally, and to 3000 feet in some tributary drainages. Above
2000 feet willow is predominant, and in some areas, mostly at higher eleva-
tions, blueberry predominates.
Tundra
The transition from forest or upland shrub to alpine tundra occurs generally
between 2500 and 3000 feet. In this ecotone, stunted mountain hemlock,
subalpine fir and, occasionally, ~itka spruce occur in small clumps inter-
spersed in dwarf shrub/herb communities. Above 3000 feet dwarf shrub/herb
communities (e.g., Vaccinium, Salix, Lupinus, Antennaria, Ranunculus,
Potentilla, Heuchera, Geum, Silene, etc.) give way to predominantly heather
communities (Cassiope, Phyllodoce, Empetrum, Cerastium, etc.). Alpine
tundra is discontinuous above 4000 feet and essentially absent above 4500
feet.
Barren Rock
Most of the terrain above 4500 feet and slide areas below the glaciers are
largely barren of vegetation. Extensive sandy-gravelly areas of decomposed
granite occur on both sides of the valley above 3000 feet. The barrenness
of this zone is due primarily to disturbance (slides and soil instability)
and/or the long period of snow cover. Drift-snow fields and avalanche run-
out snow fields are common.
Glaciers
There are about 12-13 mi 2 of glacier within the West Creek watershed. At
higher elevations it is difficult to distinguish glacier and current snow
fields.
-9-
WILDLIFE SPECIES
Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus)
Mountain goat sign was encountered in all of the terrain covered above
timber line on both sides of the valley. On the basis of density of sign
(tracks and feces) the most heavily used areas appear to be Secs. 5 and 6,
T27S, R59E, in the range of 2500-4000 feet elevation on the southwest-
facing, northeast side of West Creek and in Secs. 13, 24, and 25, T27S, R58E
in the range of 2500-3500 feet on the south-and east-facing, west side of
"Glacier Creek" (the larger glacial tributary entering West Creek in Sec.
13, T27S, R59E). In the latter general area, 7 nannies, 6 kids, and one
yearling were observed on 7 August and 3 nannies, 3 kids, and one unidenti-
fied adult on 8 August. Adult males were observed in Sec. 36, T27S, R58E
and Sec. 27, T26S, R58E. An area resident (Skip Elliott) reported having
seen "lots of goats" in Secs. 35 and 36, T26S, R58E.
In our survey, goat tracks and fecal droppings were most abundant in a steep
area of sandy-gravelly decomposed granite in the range of 3000-4000 feet
elevation on the east side of Sec. 6, T27S, R59E. In the valley bottom
below this area, on the northeast side of West Creek, goat hair was found in
a willow thicket. During winter and early spring, goats in this region
commonly descend to steep, cliffy forested areas to forage and occasionally
descend to the valley bottoms. Valley bottoms cannot be considered essen-
tial habitat, however, though forested mountainsides often are.
A small number of area residents hunt mountain goats in the West Creek
drainage. Two (Tim Hendrickson and Roy Nelson) report bagging a goat in
1973 in Sec. 8, T27S, R59E. Two others (Rocky Lane and Thor Hendrickson)
have hunted in the Mt. Yeatman area within the West Creek watershed and the
Face Mountain area south of West Creek.
Moose (Alces alces)
Our observations, confirmed by the experience of local residents,-indicate
that there are no moose in West Creek. However, the valley bottom, from the
-10-
proposed dam site upstream to the head of West Creek proper, contain perhaps
2 mi 2 of marginally suitable moose habitat.
Sitka Black-tailed Deer (Odocoi1eus hemionus sitkensis)
West Creek is about 60 miles north of the northern limit of distribution of
Sitka black-tailed deer as defined by Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
There still are occasional reports, however, of black-tails in the Skagway-
Dyea area. In August 1981, one was seen (by Roy Nelson) at the Dyea (Taiya
River) bridge south of West Creek and deer tracks "headed north" were
reported to have been seen two days later (by Tim Hendrickson and Roy Nelson)
at Finnegan's Point and Canyon City north of West Creek.
Periodically excessively deep snow limits the northward extension of deer
range in southeast Alaska. _There is no deer population in West Creek
currently and any deer that might colonize there would not persist long.
Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
Sign of black bears, consisting of fecal deposits, tracks, recently-used
trails, and evidence of foraging on ~egetation was encountered generally in
all forested areas and throughout the riparian shrub and marsh zones from
the mouth of West Creek to the terminus of the glaciers at the valley head.
2 The occurrence of fresh sign over an area of about 5 mi and a linear
distance of 6 miles indicates that several black bears inhabit the West
Creek drainage.
An area resident (Skip Elliott) considers the vicinity of the upper end of
the c1earcut and the proposed dam site to be most heavily used. This con-,
forms with our observations in that general area on both the north and south
sides of the creek. We found equivalent densities of sign, however, in the
vicinity of the cabin midway up the creek and below the terminus of the
smaller valley glacier.
The local resident mentioned above reported having seen bears in the vicinity
of the cabin and the upper end of the c1earcut. Other residents reported
-11-
bears seen in the clearcut and in the vicinity of the proposed powerhouse
site.
One area resident (Rocky Lane) reported killing a male in the fall of 1980
in Sec. 11, R58E, T27S. Another resident (Thor Hendrickson) was reported to
have killed a black bear "near Mt. Yeatman" in fall of 1980.
We saw no bears during the wildlife survey. Tracks of a sow and cub were
found near the terminus of the smaller valley glacier. Contents of all
scats seen throughout the drainage area indicate that succulent vegetation
and berries were predominant foods of black bears at this season.
Brown (grizzly) Bear (Ursus arctos)
Fresh tracks of a large brown bear were seen on 5 A~gust at 3200 feet eleva-
tion just north of the center of Sec. 8, T27S, R59E, in the alpine tundra
type. A scat of brown bear, also in the alpine tundra type, was found at
about 3500 feet elevation in the northwest quarter of Sec. 29, T27S, R59E.
Contents of the scat were principally crowberry leaves and fruit.
An area resident (Don Corwin) reported that an acquaintance (Sherell Stead)
saw a brown bear in 1979 near the terminus of the larger valley glacier at
the head of West Creek (ca in Sec. 35, T26S, R58E). Another area resident
(Roy Nelson) reports having seen brown bear tracks leaving West Creek near
the Taiya Slough every fall for the past 12 years. Joe Wallmo, a party to
this investigation, saw brown bear tracks in 1978 on the north side of West
Creek in the S.W. quarter of Sec. 7, T27S, R59E. Another area resident
(Skip Elliott) observed and measured tracks in upper West Creek that fit the
size of brown bear.
The sign seen by us indicates that at least one or two brown bears currently
include portions of West Creek within their home range.
Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
An area resident (Skip Elliott) reported having seen three wolverines in
winter in the upper end of the valley.
-12-
Wolf (Canis lupus)
No evidence of wolves was found by us, nor did we obtain any reports of
wolves or wolf sign from others.
Coyote (Canis 1atrans)
We found feces of coyote in the c1earcut and in the alpine tundra at about
4000 feet elevation in Sec. 30, T27S, R59E. A coyote was seen on 1 August
by Steve Jacoby, a party to this investigation, in the lower portion of the
c1earcut. National Park Service personnel report seeing coyotes occasion-
ally along the Taiya River above and below West Creek. They are reported
(by Skip Elliott) to be less abundant now than in the winter of 1979-1980
following a high population of snowshoe hares. R. S. Fleming observed a
coyote 4 October, 1981, in Taiya valley at edge of trees at south end of
valley.
Other Furbearers
Feces of river otter (Lutra canadensis) were observed in the valley bottom
about halfway between the dam site and the head of the river. Marten
(Martes americana) have been reported near the cabin. Neither observations
nor sign of least weasels (Mus tela rixosa) and mink (Mus tela vison) were
obtained, but it can be assumed that they occur in West Creek. No evidence
was found of beaver (Castor canadensis) within the West Creek watershed.
Small Mammals
Sign and/or observations of deer mice (Peromyscus sp.), least shrews
(Microsorex sp.), porcupines (Erethizon sp.), and red squirrels (Sciurus
hudsonicus) indicate that they are widely and abundantly distributed
throughout the forested areas. No evidence of 1agomorphs was found within
the West Creek valley, but varying hares (snowshoe rabbits) and sign were
seen in the Taiya valley bottom below West Creek. Evidence of voles
(Microtus and/or C1ethrionomys) was noted in bottomland shrub and marsh
habitats.
-13-
Waterfowl
No ducks, geese, or swans were observed in the West Creek drainage. Open
water suitable for use by waterfowl is restricted to about 20 small ponds
with a combined area of less than 5 acres in scattered, small areas of sedge
marsh or willow/sedge marsh (Figure 3). For the most part, the unforested
areas of the valley bottom is dominated by dense alder, alder/willow or
willow thickets of low value for waterfowl. West Creek itself generally
flows too swiftly for use by waterfowl. R. S. Fleming observed widgeon
take flight from small pool in area above dam site, 3 October, 1981.
Grouse
Sightings and sign of blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) indicate that they
are generally distributed throughout the forested portions of the West Creek
valley and are more common in upland forests and along tree line than in the
valley bottom. Ptarmigan (Lagopus spp.) sign was found in varying density
in all portions of the alpine and alpine/forest ecotone that were covered
afoot. Rock ptarmigan (~. mutus) were observed in Secs. 8 and 30, T27S,
R59E, and a nest and a hen with 4 young were seen in the latter locality.
Eagles
Neither bald (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nor golden (Aquila chrysaetos)
eagles were seen within the West Creek valley. Several searches were made
to locate an eagle nest reported (by Skip Elliott) to be a short distance
south of the proposed dam site. It was not found. Bald eagles are common,
of course, along the Taiya River and Inlet but nesting is uncommon as far
inland as the area to be affected by the project.
General Avifauna
The kinds of birds to be expected within an area as large and diverse as
West Creek are too numerous to verify as to their presence, abundance, or
absence from a survey such as this. To cover the possibilities of species
whose populations might or might not be influenced by the proposed project,
Table 1 lists species that could be expected to migrate through, breed in,
or reside entirely wifhin the area based on their occurrence in similar
-14-
I
I-'
V1
I
, ,
~p~t:--ar Vt\.LLLr r3ur,o", ,'" II..GlE:'RvUIQ. CLeo\J.
A.T-c..~. '11'2. Pr
---~
.. -. \-r---J
" , --::\, ..... :.~ ----', \ -.-,,, .... -.. ~ '.#'-... _ ..... _ ... --... , -, \ ~ ... -.... ,~ .......... ,
_ ... -....
, , ,.-......
SC.ALE
-, ,.
Ibtlu Z(;"o' .5000 4bOa SDC..'
• 1 . , I
Figure 3. The riparian zone at West Creek from the
dam site (right) to the head of the main
stream. Small dots north of stream
channel represent shallow ponds in marsh
habitat. Cross-hatching represents the
approximate area of the proposed reservoir.
\ \
habitats in the region. The list also indicates species recorded in the
Taiya valley in spring and summer of 1981 by Bruce Edmonton, U.S. National
Park Service, those observed by us in West Creek, and those whose popula-
tions might be significantly influenced, positively (+) or negatively (-)
by the project. The latter notation is basically speculative and would
require more study to be reliable.
Table 1 List of bird species expected to migrate through, breed in, or
reside entirely in the West Creek drainage survey area.
Observed in Potential
Taiya West Project
Valley Creek Influence
Whistling Swan x +
Canada goose +
Mallard x +
Pintail x +
Widgeon x +
Shoveler x +
Blue-winged Teal x +
Green-winged Teal x +
Common Goldeneye x +
Bufflehead x +
Common Merganser x +
Goshawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Marsh Hawk x
Rough-legged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Bald Eagle
Kestrel x
Blue Grouse x x
Spruce Grouse x
Rock Ptarmigan x x
Great Blue Heron +
-16-
Table 1 Continued.
Semipalmated Plover
Spotted Sandpiper
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Least Sandpiper
Common Snipe
Great Horned Owl
Short-eared Owl
Rufous Hummingbird
Gulls
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-shafted Flicker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Three-toed Woodpecker
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Say's Phoebe
Cliff Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
Tree Swallow
Steller's Jay
Gray Jay
American Magpie
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Dipper
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Robin
Varied Thrush
Observed
Taiya
Valley
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
-17-
in
West
Creek
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Potential
Project
Influence
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Table 1 Continued.
Townsend's Solitaire
Hermi t Thrush
Swainson's Thrush
Mountain Bluebird
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Water Pipit
Bohemian Waxwing
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Myrtle Warbler
Townsend's Warbler
B1ackpo11 Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
American Redstart
Western Tanager
Pine Grosbeak
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch
Redpoll
Pine Siskin
Crossbill
Savannah Sparrow
Slate-colored Junco
Oregon Junco
Tree Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Snow Bunting
Observed in
Taiya West
Valley Creek
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
-18-
x
x
?
?
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Potential
Project
Influence
USE OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Though West Creek is one of the more accessible drainages to the Skagway-
Dyea population, by virtue of the road entering the valley on the north side
and a trail to Lost Lake fringing the lower watershed boundary on the south,
it apparently is little used for hunting or wildlife observation. In
general, the valley walls are too steep and the valley bottom vegetation too
dense for the valley to be an inviting recreational area. One resident, to
our knowledge, commonly hikes into the upper valley. Except for his camp-
site, the only sign of hikers, hunters, or campers encountered beyond the
upper end of the clearcut or on the Lost Lake trail was of horse tracks,
noted on 10 September, upstream from the dam site on the unimproved trail on
the north side of West Creek. The identity and destination of the riders
are unknown.
Reports were obtained of 4 individuals who have hunted in the West Creek
drainage. Upper reaches of the logging road were littered with shotgun
shell casings and beverage cans used as targets. It was reported that some
individuals formerly drove into the clearcut in hope of shooting black
bears. The same area probably is hunted for blue grouse. The clearcut also
was reported to be a favorite area for berry picking. Only one resident
expressed concern over the potential of the project to adversely affect
wilderness or aesthetic values. Difficulty of travel is the primary reason
for low use of the area for hunting and wildlife observation. Additional
roads or improved trails could be expected to increase such use materially.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE IN WEST CREEK DRAINAGE
Mountain Goats
Construction activities and their results (water storage and draw-down
in the reservoir, water diversion, and hydroelectric generation) as pro-
jected, would not, in themselves, have a direct influence of any measurable
magnitude on mountain goat habitat or population. However, this area is of
concern to Alaska Department of Fish and Game (personal communication with
Dave Zimmerman, area game biologist) because they believe that their reduc-
tion in goat hunting permits to the east may result in increased hunting
pressure in the West Creek vicinity. Any project-related activities that
influence hunter access to West Creek and surrounding goat habitat will be
-19-
of interest to ADF&G. The West Creek goat population can, however, sustain
a larger harvest than it apparently has experienced in recent years.
Moose and Deer
Moose and deer do not occur in West Creek and are of inconsequential future
concern. The valley itself would support too few moose to be of signifi-
cance as a huntable population either with or without the planned project.
While the reservoir, as planned, would usurp perhaps 1/4 of the present
potential moose habitat, it would significantly increase the extent of
desirable marsh and shallow-water habitat.
Should deer become established in West Creek as a consequence of invasion
over extended periods of years with mild winters, a population could not be
expected to persist regardless of future developments.
Black Bear
Activities associated with construction of the dam, power tunnel, and
powerhouse should be expected to influence the distribution of black bears
on both sides of the creek from the dam site downstream. On the south
side, activity might force bears to move southward to higher elevations,
westward into the large glacial tributary stream, or up the West Creek
valley. On the north side, bears might move northward out of the watershed
or up the West Creek valley.
These would be temporary movements followed by general readjustment of home
ranges after construction was completed. The eventual reservoir would
preempt about 400 acres of currently occupied bear habitat. The distribu-
tion of fresh sign suggests that several bears occupy virtually all of the
valley floor"and forested slopes and that they have, therefore, fully
partitioned the habitat among the population. Individuals normally remain
within a definable home range, but home ranges commonly overlap. It can be
assumed that the distribution and overlap of these ranges are the result of
mutual adjustments by the bear to share the available resources without
excessively infringing upon each other. Loss of habitat to the reservoir
would necessarily require a readjustment of home ranges and, if the remain-
ing habitat were fully occupied, perhaps the eviction of one or more bears
from the watershed.
-20-
Optimum black bear habitat within the West Creek watershed probably en-
compasses about 10 mi2 . The maximum surface area of the proposed reservoir
would be about 0.6-0.8 mi 2 • An area of less than 8 mi 2 studied by Lindzey
and Meslow (1977) had a population of 23 black bears with widely overlapping
home ranges. In West Creek, readjustment of home ranges would be a more
likely outcome than loss of bears from the resident population.
Brown Bear
One or two brown bears reside partially and/or temporarily within the West
Creek watershed. Its, or their, sign does not suggest that activities
associated with project construction would be disruptive. If the bears are
attracted to anadramous fish runs along the Taiya River, it is most likely
that routes alternative to those affected by the project would be selected.
Coyotes
Coyotes are so ecologically ubiquitous and adaptable that they should not be
influenced by the project. In any event, the area of the proposed reservoir
seems to be little used by coyotes.
Wolverine
This species has been observed only in upper West Creek and the project
should not be expected to affect them.
Waterfowl
Establishment of the storage reservoir in West Creek would result in the
loss of about half (less than 3 acres) of the miniscule amount of open
still-water habitat in the valley. In contrast, at a water surface level of
712 feet, the reservoir shore line would be approximately 5 miles in length.
Based on an estimated average gradient of 1%, this would add some 60 acres
of shoreline water less than 2 feet deep in addition to 300-400 acres of
deeper water. Draw-down and refill rates and timing would influence
habitat quality, but it is apparent that much more waterfowl habitat would
be created than destroyed.
-21-
Grouse
Of perhaps 8 mi2 of blue grouse habitat about 1/2 mi 2 of poorer qu~lity
habitat would be inundated by the proposed reservoir. Assuming that the
small number of birds there would move elsewhere and cause some readjustment
among ranges in the peripheral population, any reduction in the overall
population probably would not be measurable.
Ptarmigan would not be affected by the project.
Eagles
Further effort should be applied to determining positively whether or not
active bald eagle nests exist where they may be influenced by hydroelectric
construction activities, installation, and operations. (See Mitigation
Potential.)
General Avifauna
The character of potential influences is indicated in Table 1. Of those
species that might be negatively influenced, none are rare or endangered.
Only a small fraction of the populations that may be observed during migra-
tions remains to breed in West Creek. Still, a certain amount of bottomland
habitat would be irretrievably lost--perhaps 4/5 of the bottomland forest,
1/10 of the bottomland brush and woodland, and 1/4 of the marsh habitat.
This loss could be expected to result in a reduction of the populations of
some species, but not in the elimination of any.
That influence would be balanced, however, by the addition or creation of
habitat for other species, resulting in a more diverse avifauna overall.
MITIGATION POTENTIAL
This evaluation addresses the project alternative with a storage dam to meet
Haines-p1us-Skagway energy requirements. Within that alternative there is
little latitude for modifications that would significantly alter the effect
on wildlife habitat. A lower dam (95 versus 107 feet; maximum water surface
elevation 700 versus 712 feet) that would accommodate only Haines' require-
-22-
ments would reduce the reservoir area to a degree that would be inconsequen-
tial in terms of wildlife influences. There does not appear to be a feasible
alternative dam site.
We do not believe, however, that the project as proposed would have measur-
able detrimental effects on the populations of any species now present in
West Creek. It would create new habitat for several species of waterfowl
and other limnetic birds. Accordingly, the timing of drawdowns and pefil-
lings of the reservoir may become of concern to Alaska Department of Fish
and Game and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, depending upon species that
became established.
If the bald eagle nest reported near the dam site is verified as an active
nest, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must be notified and appropriate
action be taken to assure compliance with legal requirements for its
protection.
In the vicinity of the proposed dam site, there is a narrow valley-bottom
corridor that will be influenced by the access road on the north side of the
stream, possibly affecting the travel routes of wide-ranging mammals. By
keeping the final route of this road as close. to the stream as possible
where the road leaves the clearcut and turns southerly toward the dam site,
that effect can be minimized. In addition, attention should be given to
keeping any ancillary structures out of that corridor area. Length, width,
and depth of the proposed reservoir should be expected to have a negligible,
if any, effect on the movement of wide-ranging mammals.
-23-
REFERENCES
Lindzey and Nes1ow, 1977. Home Range and Habitat Use by Black Bears in
Southwestern Washington, Journal of Wildlife Management, 41:413-425.
-24-
ARCHAEOLOGICAL-HISTORICAL RESOURCE SURVEY
FOR WEST CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
PURPOSE
An archaeological-historical survey was conducted to locate and describe
culturally significant resources within the proposed area of development
for the West Creek Hydroelectric Project. Specific objectives for the
survey included:
1) Identify potential sites of cultural significance through
research of ethnographic literature, review of pertinent
registers and interviews with local residents.
2) Describe and map cultural resources identified during a
reconnaissance of the study area.
3) Identify areas which merit special consideration during
project design, construction and operation, and suggest
mitigation measures.
4) Document areas of recent pertinent disturbance including
roads and residence activities.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Historical Setting
There are two phases of cultural development in the Dyea/Skagway area which
are the source for most of the cultural resources documented during this
survey. These two development phases include the pre-contact use of the
area by the Chilkat Tlingits and the post-contact development boom which
accompanied the gold rush stampede in the late 1890's.
-25-
The northern end of Lynn Canal was included in the territory of the Chilkat
Tlingits. The Chilkat name is used collectively to include Tlingits from
the Klukwan and Chilkoot (Haines) territories. The Chilkat territory,
including the drainages of the Chilkat, Klehini, Chilkoot, Taiya and Skagway
Rivers, was rich in resources and included major strategic trade routes to
interior Alaska (Goldschmidt and Haas, 1946:38). Prior to Tlingit occupancy
of the area, Athapaskans from the interior had followed these routes to the
coast and established settlements (Oberg, 1973:56).
The trading economy was important to the power and resource base of the
Chilkat. Trade items transported to the interior included eulachon oil,l/
cedar bark baskets, shell ornaments and other marine resources. Trade
material coming to the coast included copper, hides, fur, thongs and sinew
(Oberg, 1973:108).
The Taiya Inlet area (Taiya and Skagway Rivers) seems to lack the abundance
and diversity of resources and favorable weather of the more populated
Chilkat River drainage. Nevertheless, small Chilkat villages or seasonal
camps were established at Dyea (on the Taiya River) and Skagway (Goldschmidt
and Haas, 1946), and the Taiya River trade route via Chilkoot Pass was
actively used.
The pre-contact ethnographic literature focuses on Dyea, leaving the extent
of activity in Skagway somewhat in question. Dyea is !eported by some as a
seasonal camp or village, although others indicate it had permanent status
(Goldschmidt and Haas, 1946:50; Sealaska Corporation, 1975:578). Although
Dyea may have had year-round residents, its role as a major Tlingit popula-
tion center is in question.
During the fur trading period the Chilkats retained control over interior
trade routes. However, by the late 1800's a growing interest in gold
strikes in interior Canada brought competition for the use of Chilkat routes
and new forms of development to traditional Chilkat village and camp sites.
l/Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) is an oily smelt which spawns in many
mainland rivers of the northwest coast. See also section on fishery
evaluations.
-26-
A trading post was established at Dyea in 1884 to service the increasing
number of prospectors traveling to the gold fields along the Fortymile
River, and later to Circle City. Activity in Dyea and on the Chilkoot
Trail gained momentum, and greatly increased following the news of the
Klondike discovery in 1896 (Spude, 1980:23).
Dyea quickly developed into a major staging area for large numbers of stam-
peders. Buildings and tents sprang up in Dyea almost overnight and the
shallow tide flats south of town became the site for unloading mountains
of supplies.
The original Chilkoot Trail headed north along the west side of Taiya River
and the heavily used lower sections became a wagon road. Tents, cabins and
shelters were erected along the trail for several miles out of town
(Carley, 1981).
Deep water docking facilities in Dyea were initially lacking and freight
was loaded onto lighters which were grounded with the falling tide. Two
wharves were eventually constructed in Dyea. The first, Dyea Klondike
Transportation (DKT) Company wharf, was located southwest of town on the
west side of Taiya Inlet and was connected to Dyea by a wagon road and toll
bridge. The Dyea Wharf (or Long Wharf) extended directly into deep water,
but was completed after the main gold rush activity had subsided and was
little used (Spude, 1980).
Activity in Dyea and on the Chilkoot Trail declined by the end of 1898.
Many Dyea buildings fell into ruins, while others were moved to growing
communities in southeast Alaska or were dismantled for lumber. Several
homesteads in the area remained occupied and a small Tlingit population
resided in the area into the 1930's (Spude, 1980).
Geology
Taiya Inlet occupies a secondary fault zone branch from the primary Lynn
Canal-Chilkat Fault. The area is predominantly a plutonic intrusive for-
mation, chiefly quartz diorite and granodiorite, which formed during the
Jurrasic and Cretaceous periods (Yehle and Lemke, 1972).
-27-
Glacial activity throughout the area is evidenced by smooth, rounded bedrock
outcrops and topographic features such as lateral and terminal moraines.
Several large glaciers can be seen in the mountains surrounding the Inlet.
Land rebound, characteristic of areas of glacial retreat, is an ongoing
process in the area. At Skagway, a marine shell deposit now located at
+ 9.6 m above mean sea level was dated by the Carbon 14 technique at 2,880-
250 years old (Yehle and Lemke, 1972).
Forest soils on slopes above the Taiya valley floor commonly have 15 to
30 cm of organic material over shallow, coarse-textured mineral soils
which may be derived from colluvial material, from glacial deposits (as
was the mouth of West Creek), or from weathering in place of the local
granitic bedrock materials. Soils in the Taiya River valley bottom are
built from alluvial materials which are predominantly silts, sands, and
gravels. A characteristic profile is a thin ( 15 cm) surface of organic
material overlying sand and silt of variable thickness intermixed with, or
overlying, layers or lenses of coarse gravel materials. Many locations
show soils disturbed by recent activities including land clearing, road
building, or logging. These disturbed areas usually have very thin sur-
face layers of organic material including moss ~nd litter, overturned
stumps and debris (over roadways), and logging debris.
Flora
The general vegetation classification for the project area is coastal
spruce-hemlock forest. The forests in the dam, reservoir and power corridor
sites are dominated by Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Western hemlock
(Tsuga heterophylla). Common shrubs in forest openings and edges include
rusty menziesia (Menziesia ferruginea), blueberries (Vaccinium ~), and
currants (Ribes ~). Forest openings with wetter soils contain devills
club (Oplopanax horridus), red alder (Alnus rubra), Sitka alder (!. sinuata),
willows (Salix ~), and other miscellaneous herbs and shrubs.
In the flood plans and valley floors of the area the most common trees and
shrubs are the black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), Sitka spruce, red
and Sitka alder, willow, high-bush cranberry (Viburnum edule) and a variety
of other herbs and shrubs.
-28-
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and western paper birch (Betula papyrifera)
are common on the dry rocky ridges between the Taiya River valley and
Skagway (Viereck and Little, 1972).
A more detailed vegetational survey of the West Creek drainage is described
in the Wildlife Survey report, also in this volume, and a vegetation map is
presented (Figure 2).
METHODOLOGY
Assessment of archaeological and historical resources was conducted in the
West Creek drainage on 20-28 August, 9-12 September, 29-30 October, and 6-7
November, 1981. This work included: (a) on-the-ground examination of much
of the proposed development site to locate cultural resources and contem-
porary activities in the project vicinity, (b) helicopter reconnaissance of
some difficult access areas, and (c) surveys of ethnographic literature and
registers and interviews with local residents (Appendix B-1) for additional
knowledge of cultural resources. Surveys were conducted by Mr. Tim Moore,
with technical assistance from Mssrs. Lyle Hubbard and Wally Olson, and
field assistance from Mr. Nathan Bishop.
Pre-field research was greatly assisted by information contributed by
Mr. Robert Loescher of Sea1aska Corporation and the Klondike Gold Rush
National Historic Park staff. Local informants contacted for cu1tura1-
historical information included:
Rick Burroughs -Long Bay area resident.
Dave Clabaugh -Ranger, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park.
Skip Elliott -Skagway city manager, Dyea area resident.
Fred Hosford -Skagway resident.
Alf Ka1vick -Dyea area resident.
John and Lorna McDermott -Dyea area residents.
Bob Rapuzzi -Skagway resident.
Elizabeth Selmer -Skagway resident.
-29-
Areas of intended survey coverage were defined based on the layout of
proposed hydroelectric developments (Figure 4) and the degree of cultural
significance referenced by literature sources and local informants. Signi-
ficant cultural resources were defined as identifiable artifacts or features
which provide evidence of previous activity in the survey area. Areas of
known high sensitivity and moderate or high archaeological potential were
surveyed using transects to assure proper coverage. In the valley the
transects were kept as wide as vegetation would allow while maintaining
visual contact between two party members. On steep slopes, the transects
were wider and voice contact was maintained.
Survey areas were modified in-process due to inclement weather, inacces-
sible topography, heavy vegetation, as well as to facilitate coordination
of field efforts with those of other project teams.
Generally, coverage was obtained of:
1) The proposed dam and reservoir site (about 500 acres),
located approximately two miles upstream from the conflu-
ence of West Creek and Taiya River,
2) The east and west ends of the power corridor,
3) The powerhouse site,
4) Most of the transmission line route, which follows the
Skagway/Dyea road south along the east side of the Taiya
River to Long Bay, and then southeast to Skagway, and
5) An alternate transmission line route along the west side
of the Taiya River valley.
An additional alternate transmission route which directly traverses the
mountains to Haines was considered, but an on-the-ground survey was not
conducted in this area.
-30-
Figure 4. North end of
Lynn Canal.
Legend
1"
® Town
-Stream/River
: _ _ _ Gld2ier
2.75 wi (4.4 k.Ul)
o
~CAL ~.
PRoPOSEd
PROjEct
AREA
-31-
/ ·S~WA'f I2.W~
I'"
,
I
I , , --
'-• I
\ I , l'
I ,
,f I
---,
LYNN
CANAL \
~, \ ,
-\~ \ \
,
I
I
I
Table 2 Location and description of historical and contemporary sites
between West Creek and Skagway.
Loca-E1eva-
No. Name tion tion DescriEtion Date
1-Hosford's residence T.27S., 20' Residence & out-buildings Contemporary
R. 59E. ,
Sec. 15
2. Powerhouse site Sec. 15 20' Two sheds & refuse 1950's
3. Wagon Wheel Ranch Sec. 15 20' Log house & shed Unknown
Log house under construction Contemporary
4. Sec. 15 New cement foundation
5. Ka1vick's residence T.27S., 20' Residence and out-building Late 1970's
R.59E.,
Sec. 22
6. Mathews' cabin Sec. 22 20' Log cabin 1920's
7. Sec. 22 Surface artifacts & pits Unknown
8. Triangle Sec. 22 20' Wagon parts Unknown
9. "North Dyea" 20' Structures, pits & artifacts 1890's
10. Taiya River Bridge Sec. 22 30' Steel bridge 1940's
11. Chilkoot Trail Sec. 22 20' Trail crosses main road
crossing
12. Earth ramp & pit Sec. 22 20' Ramp partly across a slough Unknown
13. Tree fenc.e Sec. 22 20' Spruce planted for fence 1890's
post and house site
Garden Contemporary
14. Dugouts Sec. 22 20' 3 rectangular "cellars" 1890's
15. Large clearing Lumber and debris Unknown
Two gardens Contemporary
16. McDermott's cabin Sec. 22 20' Log cabin 1898
House under construction
17. Slough Sec. 22 20' Chilkoot Trail becomes vague
in Taiya River bottom/slough
18. New Chilkoot Sec. 22 15'
Trailhead
19. Army buildings T.27S., 10' Army building from Skagway 1940'5
R.59E.,
Sec. 27
20. NFS Ranger Station Sec. 27 10' Camp ground and tria1head Contemporary
parking
-32-
Table 2 (Continued)
Loca-Eleva-
No. Name tion tion DescriEtion Date
2l. Marine shell deposit Sec. 27 15' Small deposit of shells Unknown
22. Cabin Sec. 27 75' Residence at 8.0 mi. Contemporary
23. Trailer T.27S. , 100' Residence at 7.2 mi. Contemporary
R. 59E. ,
Sec. 34
24. Telephone/telegraph T.27S., 75'-Single steel wire 1890's
line R. 59E. , 200'
Sec. 34&35
25. Two cabins T. 28S. , 100' Residence at 6.3 mi. Contemporary
R.59E.,
Sec. 3
26. Long Bay T.27S., 15' Log Cabin 1940's
R.59E.,
Sec. 35
Two houses Contemporary
27. Beach house Sec. 35 5' Residence Contemporary
Unknown
28. Skyline Trailhead T.28S., 300' Shed and trailhead Unknown
R. 59E. ,
Sec. 11
29. Cabin Sec. 11 250' Residence Contemporary
30. Bridge Sec. 11 20' Foot bridge footing Unknown
3l. Pet cemetary Sec. 11 30' Contemporary
-33-
Limitations in survey coverage are specified in the sections which. describe
survey results for each area. No testing or excavation was done during the
course of the survey, as required in the field archaeolo~ permit. However,
cut banks and disturbed areas were examined for evidence of artifacts dis-
tributed beneath the surface. The areas observed provided a low yield of
artifacts, and no conclusive pattern of artifact distribution at depth was
noted.
Items of cultural significance noted during the survey are generally
described in the order in which they would be encountered moving from
northwest (dam and reservoir site) to southeast (Skagway terminus of the
transmission line) within the proposed development corridor. A numbering
system for points of interest mentioned in the text is shown in Table 2,
and is used on accompanying maps.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES
Proposed Dam and Reservoir Site
Rugged glacial topography and poorly aeveloped access routes made surveys
in the dam and reservoir site (Figure 5) difficult. Access to the north
side of West Creek was provided by a logging road which terminated in a
clearcut landing approximately 1,000 m below the dam site. Access to the
dam and reservoir was achieved by a trail which paralleled West Creek and
by cross-country (unimproved access) travel. Blazes and minor trail im-
provements appeared to be nearly the same age as the logging activity, and
probably provide hunting access.
The dam site and spillway area north of West Creek, and the location where
test core drilling will take place, were surveyed. No evidence of historic
trails or other cultural features were noted during visual reconnaissance
of these areas.
Cultural resources were not observed along the north side of West Creek or
at the reservoir site. No mining activity was noted between the reservoir
and the dam site.
-34-
Legend
Project and survey area
1m..<. .2 rot,
o
TAI)A
I~lEt
-35-
Figure 5. Proposed West Creek
bydroelectric project
development area.
Access to the south side of West Creek was provided by helicopter. No
resources of archaeological-historical significance were noted at the
proposed dam and reservoir site. An aerial reconnaissance was made of the
proposed dam and reservoir sites, and of the West Creek drainage below the
development area.
Conversations with local residents provided two additional possibilities
for areas of cultural significance in the dam/reservoir area. Mr. Bob
Rapuzzi, a resident of Skagway, suggested a trail may have existed along
the south shore of West Creek and traversed the mountains to the Chilkat
River area (Klukwan). Although it is possible to traverse the route, the
rugged topography makes it an unlikely route for frequent travel. No
evidence of the trail was noted during a cross-country survey conducted
along the proposed route. However, vegetation could easily have oblit-
erated the historic trail.
Mr. Skip Elliott, a resident of Dyea, has collected information on the
historical activities of the greater Dyea area and has hiked extensively in
the West Creek drainage. Historical records Mr. Elliott obtained from
Skagway City Hall indicated the presence of mining claims in upper West
Creek valley. Mr. Elliott felt that most, if not all, of the claims were
outside the area to be developed. He has made several trips into the upper
valley looking for the claims, without success. It is not known if any of
the claims were actually worked. With the vegetation cover in the area,
small claims with limited activity would be very difficult to locate.
During the reconnaisance of the reservoir area, this survey crew found no
indication of mining activity.
Power Corridor
Due to the lack of proposed surface disturbance along most of the power
corridor route and difficult access through dense forest cover, only the
corridor ends (west end at the dam site and east end at the powerhouse)
were surveyed. The approximate area of the proposed access road for the
power shaft above the power house was also examined.
The western end of the corridor, located immediately upvalley from the dam,
was surveyed concurrent with the dam/reservoir survey. No cultural material
was observed in this area.
-36-
The eastern end of the corridor was surveyed concurrent with the power-
house site survey. This end of the corridor, including the power shaft and
access road(s), is in steep terrain covered with glacial moraine material.
At the time of the survey the proposed location for the access road was not
known. Therefore, a general reconnaissance was conducted on the hillside
south of the powerhouse site and at the power shaft location. The only
evidence of activity noted in the area was a steep unimproved trail to Lost
Lake (Figure 6) and recent survey stakes and flagging along the National
Historical Park boundary. No mention of the Lost Lake trail was found
during research, so it is not known how long the route has been used. No
other cultural material was noted in the area.
Powerhouse Site
The powerhouse site now proposed is located west of the valley floor, on
land which is administered by the National Park Service (#2). An alter-
nate site is located near the West Creek canyon in an area with large
morrain deposits and bedrock outcrops. The valley floor at the mouth of
the canyon is private property.
Several contemporary houses, numerous out-buildings, garden plots, and
assorted refuse were noted on either side of West Creek in the vicinity of
the alternate powerhouse site. Most, if not all, of the material scattered
around these residences appears to be within private property boundaries
(Figure 7A). The tail race from the prop~sed powerhouse will go through
this area near the base of the hill.
The proposed powerhouse site is situated 300 m south of West Creek at the
base of the hill (Figure 8). The valley floor in this area is coarse
aleuvial material mixed with some fines. Humus and moss covers the area
at a depth averaging 20 cm or less. Unimproved roads meander through the
area along the base of the hill and east to the main road (Figures 8 & 9).
The roads appear to have been made by light grading or repeated driving.
Road widths vary from 8 m for a single track to 35 m at junctions and in
areas of logging activity.
-37-
Figure 6. Survey area.
Legend
• House
Road
- - -Trail
---' Stream
o
~ ~PS R~nger Station
1" .5 mi (.8 kIn)
.f> ni I. 0 1'11..
I
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-38-
'S'\<,,(L,IIJ e. /
Tf.i!~\'-I
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7A.....I-'----.
78
7C
Fig.7 orientation
Figure 7A. Taiya River Valley
Legend
Road
Chilkoot Trail
_K'-)( Fence
[ID Building A Gr Garden
p Pits
.a.. Dispersed Logging
..t... Photo Positioning
1" ?()()' (nOm)
200 f+ "'o~.ft-
c=======~I========~1
GK) '" I:LO In
SCALE
N
t
0
7A
78
7C
Figure 7B. Taiya River
Valley
Legend
see 7A
Zoo ~. "100 oft
I I
60M I lot> M
S('A1-S
N
m r~l
1 "1 G \
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fic.·11
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a ai' <>Gr <> 4f 15 If
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Fi~'\'B II
\ I
c\\Q~
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7A
7B
7C
Fig.7 orientation
o
p~
) 'FiC,· ' / ttA 11 1/ . . . . / ,
: lI:-<,,~1? :t$-13 / /
.~ D 1/
P Ii
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. 'lFiCoi'2. " ...... ,/ *12..
l=.'\ 'I
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1/
II
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II
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~11
-41-
/
/
/
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/
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Figure 7C. Taiya River
Valley
Legend
See 7A
SCALi.
/
I
/
/
The powerhouse location contains two small sheds with a large assortment
of contemporary debris; an approximate age of 30 years was confirmed by
Fred Hosford. The debris around the sheds includes appliances, stoves,
bed spring, building material, piling, steel pipe, and a two-hole out-
house. A long cleared strip goes up the hill from the sheds about 150 m.
A large tree at the uphill terminus and a wire on the ground indicate it
was a long wire antenna route.
Figure 8. Looking south at powerhouse site.
Figure 9. Southeast from powerhouse area showing
transmission line corridor.
-42-
The south side of West Creek upstream from the canyon mouth was surveyed
with several transects parallel to the creek where topography permitted.
The area was checked for indications of trails. Small game trails were
noted. No cultural material was observed.
The north side of West Creek was surveyed in a similar manner. Just west
of the log bridge which crosses West Creek, a road forks to the south into
an area known as Wagon Wheel Ranch (#3). There is a small well-maintained
log house, a log out-building,a large log home under construction, numerous
plots of flowers, and several large garden plots. In the flats toward the
canyon mouth there is an accumulation of aluminum irrigation pipe which had
apparently been part of a gravity flow system for garden water. There is
evidence of wood cutting activities in the area.
No items of archaeological or historical significance were noted at the
proposed powerhouse site.
Transmission Line Corridor
The proposed 9 km long transmission line corridor extends from the power-
house site southeast across the Taiya valley, along the east side of the
Taiya River into Long Bay, and then south to Skagway. The following de-
scription of the survey route is generally presented in a north to south
progression. However, the Chilkoot Trail survey is described from the
point where the trail crosses the Skagway-Dyea road northward to the Kinney
Bridge area (which is outside the transmission corridor to the north.)
Powerhouse Site To Taiya River
This section of the transmission line corridor (Figure 5) lies within the
Taiya valley and is included within the boundaries of the Klondike Gold
Rush National Historic Park. However, the corridor may cross private
inholdings within park boundaries.
Numerous cultural artifacts, which were generally related to the gold rush
era, were documented along this section of the line. Briefly, these
included the Chilkoot Trail route, debris and structures along the trail
-43-
and the remnants of the northern portion of the community of Dyea. The
presence of the native village of Dyea was not identified by this survey
team and its existence and former location is known only through literature
research. Evidence of the pre-gold rush native village was probably
overlain by, and incorporated into, site developments which followed.
The short section of transmission corridor between the powerhouse and the
Skagway-Dyea road contains numerous contemporary cultural resources. The
area is criss-crossed with roads and tracks which lead to house sites,
small abandoned sheds, barb wire fencing, and a new concrete house founda-
tion (#4). Associated material noted in this area included abandoned wood
stoves, large kitchen appliances, 55-gallon drums, batteries, motor vehicle
parts, building supplies, and food and beverage containers.
This area has been selectively tractor logged as evidenced by tracks,
stumps, and irregular piles of dirt, rock, and wood. Because of the rapid
growth of vegetation it is difficult to determine the full extent of the
area logged. However, scattered evidence of logging (primarily west of
the main road) extends south to near the Dyea junction (#8).
The transmission line corridor continues east to an intersection with the
main road and then follows it south (Figure 10, 11, and 7B). In the section
between the house foundation (#4) and the main road the soil changes from
the shallow rocky aleuvium in the west to a deeper deposit of silt and
sand. At the Kalvick residence (#5) the well point hit gravel at 5 m.
Gardens and other disturbed lands here and to the west are primarily soil
with very little surface gravel. The Kalvick's have built a house, several
out-buildings, and a fenced yard and garden plot.
The main road which runs from Skagway to West Creek was constructed during
the late 1940's. The road corridor was opened by pushing the vegetation
cover and top soil to either side. The all-weather road bed consists of
river gravel that was hauled in. The road bed averages 8 m in width with
-44-
a graded apron on either side. The width of the aprons along the roadside
varies greatly from 4 m to over 20 m. There is some disturbance beyond
the apron where the excess construction material was deposited.
Figure 10. Junction of transmission line
corridor at main road.
Figure 11. Looking north toward the house
shown in Figure 10.
-45-
The first historical material found near the transmission line corridor was
at the Mathews Cabin (#6, Figure 7C). The walls of the cabin are intact but
the roof has fallen in. According to Spude (1980), this was the residence
of Mr. William Mathews, a Tlingit and long-time resident who homesteaded
here in the 1920's (Figure 12). At this point the total width of the road's
right-of-way is quite narrow when compared with other sections along the
road. Some scattered artifacts and pits were noted around and behind the
cabin. The area of activity extends 40 m to the northwest to the edge of a
slough and southward along the slough to the Dyea Road (#7). It is diffi-
cult to determine origins of the material but most (particularly away from
the cabin) is probably from the gold rush era. Material noted included
enamel pots and pans, rusty cans, sheet metal and scraps of iron.
Figure 12. Mathews' Cabin.
-46-
The triangle formed by the three roads has been disturbed by road building,
but does contain partial remains of a heavy wagon (wheel, axle, and heavy
metal straps) and assorted material typical of that scattered along the
trail (#8, Figure 13).
Figure 13. West Creek
road looking northwest.
Dyea lies to left.
South of the road gold rush era structures, pits, and artifacts occur more
frequently (#9). This area has been well documented in a previous investi-
gation by Carley (1981), and numbers indicated on Figure 7C are deSignations
assigned by Carley. The structure showo.in Figure 14 is about IS m south
of the road.
-47-
Figure 14. Gold rush
era building SIO.
The main road corridor between the Dyea junction and Taiya River Bridge
(#10) is generally wide (up to 45 m), but narrows to 15 m near the Chi1koot
Trail crossing (1111) and the bridge (Figure 15). The soil in the area is
predominantly silt, but with lenses of gravel.
Figure 15. West Creek road from Taiya River Bridge
towards Dyea Junction.
The Chilkoot trail runs south-north between the modern road and the Taiya
River (Figure 16). The trail crosses the Skagway-Dyea road 175 m northwest
of the Taiya River Bridge and continues north for 700 m before ending at
the edge of a large slough (#17). It should be noted that the historic
trail at this point was actually a wagon road which continued north of the
slough approximately 500 m before crossing the Taiya River on the Kinney
Bridge. Spude (1981) noted that the trail route can be easily distinguished
up to the Kinney Bridge by remains of building foundations and tin cans.
Following the Chi1koot Trail north from the road junction the first
feature noted is a contemporary earthen ramp partly spanning a slough (#12).
It appears that the material for the ramp came from a disturbed area across
the trail.
-48-
Figure 16. Chilkoot Trail.
Legend • House -Road
---Trail ---
Stream
):( Bridge .. POB 1303 datum
lit 1100' (330 m)
o
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,
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A large clearing 150 m north of the road junction contains 2 rectangular
pits and 2 rows of spruce trees (#13, Figure 17). The trees were used as
"fence posts" and their size indicates this site is from the gold rush
era. Tree alignments in the downtown Dyea area were used for comparison.
A small contemporary fallow garden plot is located to the west.
Figure 17. Tree
alignment at #13.
Th~re are three rectangular pits further to the north (#14), adjacent to
a clearing that contains remnants of wooden structures and recently culti-
vated garden plots (#15, Figure 18). The site appears to be from the gold
rush era, but it has been disturbed and altered by recent activities.
Recent artifacts were scattered about; however, some pieces of tin, stove
pipe, galvanized roofing, and metal rods are in a similar state of decay
as the gold rush material observed in the Dyea area.
Figure 18. Building
remains at illS.
The next major feature up the trail is the log cabin at McDermott's farm
(#16) which dates from 1897-98 and is still occupied. The cabin shows
common log construction problems, including lack of foundation, sagging
2 and deterioration of some logs (Figure 19). A 175 m area around the
cabin has been recently cleared and fenced (Figure 20) to accommodate
several large garden areas and farm animals. The trail reaches the slough
150 m north of the cabin. A large pile of soil and trees has been pushed
to the north edge of the property near where the trail disappears at the
edge of the slough. The soil is predominantly fine river deposits, silt,
and sand.
-51-
Figure 19. 1898
Cabin, McDermott's.
Figure 20. Looking
southeast across
cleared land at
McDermott's.
Tin and light metal artifacts are scattered along the trail the entire d~s
tance from the Skagway-Dyea road to the slough. The composting vegetation
tends to mask the smaller materials such as heavier metal pieces, glass and
ceramic fragments, nails, and other construction materials. No attempt was
made to catalog all the artifacts scattered along either side of the trail,
nor was any digging done. This section of the trail was surveyed using
transects of 10 m spacing parallel to the trail. Dense vegetation pre-
vented complete coverage in several areas.
The survey area was extended south of the Skagway-Dyea road and out of the
defined transmission corridor in order to attempt to identify the native
village site of Dyea and to estimate its proximity to the proposed hydro-
electric development. A survey conducted for Sealaska Corporation (1975),
by Whilsey and Ham, Inc., Seattle, had designated a Point of Beginning
(POB) or main datum for native village site no. 1303 based on information
obtained from two informants, though no artifacts were located. The datum
is on the northern boundary of the site and is located 700 m south of the
Taiya River bridge.
Carley (1981) located two additional structures (designated as "Indian
Houses" on the 1918 Pullen Homestead map) which are 425 m north of site
1303 datum. The remains of these structures appear to be more recent than
the gold rush era. It is not known if the structures were located on
sites which pre-date contact with white men or if the natives had moved
northwards because of increased gold rush activities. Available infor-
mation indicates that, while the exact location of the native village site
is not known, it probably lies south of the proposed transmission line
corridor.
Taiya River to Long Bay (Nahku Bay)
This section of the transmission line corridor traverses the east side of
the Taiya River flood plain and crosses a steep rocky ridge of exposed
bedrock into Long Bay.
-52-
The trailhead for the Chilkoot Trail currently used by hikers is located at
the southeast end of the Taiya River Bridge (#18, Figure 21). The new
trailhead was placed on the south side of the bridge because there is no
longer any bridges across the Taiya River on the original trail.
Figure 21. Taiya
River Bridge. Chilkoot
Trail trailhead on
right.
The main road south of the bridge was constructed by the same manner
described in the previous section (Figures 22 & 23).
-53-
Figure 22. View south
from Taiya River Bridge.
Figure 23. View north toward Bridge
from 8.3 mile.
The survey was conducted by walking transects south from the Taiya River
Bridge. Both sides ~f the Skagway-Dyea road have been scarred and inundated
by flood waters from the river. Sloughs and swamps on either side of the
road dictated some modification of transect routes.
A group of wooden structures was noted in a clearing 50 m east of the main
road at mile 8.4. The two houses and several out-buildings, now in various
stages of disrepair (#19), were constructed in the late 1940's. The
southern-most house appears to be occupied at least periodically, but no
residents were seen during the survey (Figure 24). The northernmost
building, which is deteriorating, appears to have been constructed from
pre-fabricated material. Bolts with large washers were used to fasten
panels together. The main construction materials are 2 X 4" lumber and
composition board.
-54-
Figure 24. "Army" building.
Discarded debris in the vicinity included a pile of well used lead-acid
batteries, various sizes and type of electrical wire (some had the insula-
tion burnt off as part of a salvage operation), mesh wire, pieces of
furniture, miscellaneous automotive parts, pieces of a fishing net with
floats, a Chevrolet pick-up truck and miscellaneous food and beverage con-
tainers. A small freshwater spring was noted at the base of the ridge
25 m east of the houses.
A National Park Service ranger station, campground and trail-head parking
are located on the west side of the Skagway-Dyea road at mile 8.3 (#20).
The ranger station consists of three temporary plywood buildings, a gravel
parking lot and a road winding through the willows to a location where
tables, toilets and fire areas are provided. The entire area is located on
the Taiya River flood plain.
-55-
A small marine ·shell deposit was discovered 50 m south of the 8.0 mile post
on a small rock bench 3 m above the road (#21, Figures 25 and 26). A
careful visual examination of the exposed po-rtion of the deposit failed -to
identify any indication of cultural material. However, no digging was done
at the site so only a small portion of the deposit could be seen. The
deposit is more completely described in Appendix B-2.
-56-
." ,,-
Figure 25. Marine
shel-l deposit.
1" ~ ~, Figure 26. Marine
-"'.; shell deposit.
A small occupied house, outbuilding and animal corral are located 75 m
east of the 8.0 mile post (#22).
South of the 8.0 mile post the road traverses the edge of Taiya Inlet on a
bench blasted out of the hillside. Two widely spaced north-south transects
were surveyed in a basin area approximately 300 m above the road. The main
reason for covering the area was to investigate a mine (prospect) shown on
the topographic map (Skagway B-1 Quadrangle, T27S, R59E, Sec. 35). The
prospect was not located, but it is most likely outside of the proposed
development corridor.
An occupied trailer is located just east of the Skagway-Dyea road at
7.2 mile (#23).
At mile 6.6, a single steel wire telegraph/telephone line was discovered
(Figure 14). The line is broken and ends 25 m uphill (east) from the
roadway. The line angles towards the ridge top on a bearing of S38 0 E (UTM
N6593300M/E480450, T27S, R59E, Sec. 34). At the top of the ridge (UTM
o N6593250M/E480650M, Sec. 34) the line's bearing changes to S45 E for
approximately 100 m down into the Long Bay drainage where its route was
lost (Appendix B-3). This line may have connected Skagway and Chilkoot
Pass with Dyea, as described in an 1898 newspaper item in the Dyea Trail
entitled, "Sunset Telephone Company--communications with Skagway and all
points on the Dyea Trail" (Spude, 1980:37).
An attempt was made to find additional intact sections of line, but road
building and other activities along the route has damaged the line. Three
short pieces (less than 10 m) of wire and one white ceramic insulator were
found just above the road between 8.0 and 6.6 mile. Three short isolated
pieces were found in the 5.5 mile area west of Long Bay and a short piece
of similar wire was found north of Dyea running parallel to the Chilkoot
Trail. No additional sections of intact line were found. A NPS ranger
familiar with the upper sections of theChilkoot Trail indicated that long
lengths of wire are still visible; however, the insulators are gone, at
least on the sections of line on or near the trail.
-57-
Figure 27. Green glass insulator on line
from Long Bay to Skagway.
Two small occupied cabins or sheds overlooking the Taiya Inlet at 6.3 mile
are visible from the road. Access is by a short driveway to the west of
the road (/125).
Three houses were observed at the head of Long Bay at 5.1 mile (#26). A
log cabin and conventional house are located to the north of and within
10 m of the road. Rick Burroughs, who lives at the cabin, thought it was
built in the 1940's. An unoccupied "A" frame house is 75 m to the north
of the road and about 50 m northwest of the large house.
There are numerous out-buildings (woodsheds, old root celler, garage, power
plant, and storage sheds) associated with this group of houses. The area
between the road and the beach is densely covered with vegetation. There
is a small pit 20 m south of the log cabin. It contained a small amount of
recent trash, mostly food and beverage containers. No other features were
associated with it and its age probably corresponds with that of the log
cabin. This strip of land also has a recently constructed mesh wire pen
for small animals (goats) and a small fenced garden plot.
-58-
There is an occupied house on the beach at Long Bay below the road at 5.3
mile. Access is by trail from the road (#27).
Long Bay to Skagway
The section of the transmission line corridor between Long Bay and Skagway
traverses a steep rocky ridge on the north end before the ridge flattens
out near its southern terminus at the Skagway River. Surveys were not
conducted in the northernmost area as steep topography made the presence of
cultural resources unlikely and foot travel was dangerous. Transects
paralleling the Skagway-Dyea road were used to survey the corridor from 4.5
mile south to the Skagway River.
The surveyed area contained only contemporary cultural resources. Informa-
tion gained from literature and local informants indicates there was very
little, if any, gold rush activity in this area.
The Skyline Trail begins just north of the Skagway-Dyea road (#28, Figure 28).
This ridge trail provides hiker access to the alpine region of AB mountain.
The trail forms the eastern boundary for a four-acre parcel of patented
property belonging to Elizabeth Selmer of Skagway. The property lies west
of the trail and includes an outhouse and remains of a burnt cabin 50 m
northwest of the trail head. All of the material in this area is recent.
A small shed at the Skyline Trail head (20 m northeast of road, Figure 29)
was placed there by a person trying to patent that area (#28). An addi-
tional occupied cabin was noted 200 m north of the Skyline Trail (#29).
Background information on the status and activity of the Skyline Trail
area was provided by Elizabeth Selmer.
Southwest of the Skyline Trail (Figure 28), a road provides access to a
rifle range, a small cove north of Yakutania Point (road is blocked to
vehicular traffic) and to the Skagway River northeast of Yakutania Point.
A well-traveled trail leads from the rifle range to the remains of a sus-
pension foot bridge (#30) on the Skagway River. The trail passes two
large pieces of cable (4.5 cm diameter) which are anchored in a rock face.
-59-
Figure 28. Skyline Trail -
Skagway area
Legend
• Shed -Road
Trail
):::( Bridge
t Cemetary
1" = 50 m
o so"",, 100M
S.CA L e.
c..oue
---",.""
-60-
Figure 29. Cabin
at Skyline Trail
trailhead.
Remnants of a wooden boardwalk were noted. Wooden timbers bolted together
to form a bridge frame were visible on a small willow covered island in
the Skagway River (Figure 28). The bridge was for foot traffic only and
was removed when the main highway bridge was constructed upstream from
Skagway.
2 A small pet cemetary (10 m) (#31) with 13 graves is located 15 m above the
bridge-cables. MOst of the graves are enclosed by a water pipe frame that
stands 20 em off the ground and is painted silver. Most graves had metal
name markers, one was wood, one wood cross, one marble marker (was broken
and unreadable) and two were unmarked. Two grave markers provided the
dates of 1958 and 1980. The 1958 marker has a round brass Skagway dog tag
tacked on the marker.
Alternate Transmission Line Corridors
Two alternate transmission line corridors are under consideration by R.W.
Beck and Associates, Inc.; one from the powerhouse along the west side of
the Taiya River valley and the second from the powerhouse site over the
mountains to the west, directly into Haines.
-61-
The alternate corridor along the west side of the Taiya valley did not
receive as complete a survey as the primary route on the east side of the
Taiya River. However, the area from the powerhouse site to the tide
flats was surveyed by foot-travel along roads and trails.
Moving south from the powerhouse, the first mile of corridor contained
several occupied and abandoned residences. Most of the material appears to
be recent (1940-50's), however, it is possible that some of the buildings
may be older.
From the southern end of Section 22 to a point several miles south of the
Dyea townsite there is evidence of gold rush activity, particularly in the
area adjacent to and south of the townsite. Remnants of the DKT dock, the
toll bridge and wagon are still visible, according to Spude (1980:177).
The survey team did not cover any of the DKT area. There are also several
residences and garden plots in this section of the corridor. Four resi-
dences were noted in the valley and one was reported on the hillside. Due
to the area's close proximity to Dyea, it is quite possible that some, if
not all, of these dwellings date from the 1898 period. The entire lower
mountain slope through this area was logged heavily in the early part of
the century.
The second alternate route (traversing the mountains to Haines) was not
surveyed due to the difficulty of access in rugged terrain. The area has a
very low potential for cultural resources.
POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
This evaluation addresses the potential fo~ project impacts and mitigation
for the defined survey areas. Future rerouting of hydroelectric project
development into areas outside of the surveyed corridor would require
additional surveys prior to ground disturbance.
-62-
West Creek Drainage
The survey did not reveal any cultural resources within the dam site or
reservoir. The possibility of mining claims along the periphery of the
reservoir area does not warrant any further investigation at this time.
However, during any vegetation clearing activities which accompany con-
struction, surpervisory personnel should be on the alert for signs of
small mining operations. If cultural remains are located, further surveys
should be made to determine their extent. The remainder of the dam site
and reservoir area should not require further investigation or mitigation
efforts.
No resources of cultural significance were identified within the areas of
the power corridor which were surveyed. These areas included the west end
near the dam site, the east end near the powerhouse site, and the approxi-
mate location of the powershaft access road. For non-surveyed areas along
the power corridor, it is recommended that an archaeologist should investi-
gate if there are future plans for ground disturbance in this area. Crews
should notify a designated person whenever cultural materials are discovered
that were not noted on the original survey.
Taiya River Valley
No significant cultural resources were observed at the power house site near
the confluence of West Creek and the Taiya River. However, additional
archaeological investigation is recommended if the site is relocated during
subsequent planning and/or if surface disturbance activities occur outside
the surveyed area during construction of access roads, staging areas, and
other ground disturbing activities.
The primary transmission line corridor across the Taiya valley will cross
the Chilkoot Trail and areas of gold rush activity. Placement and design
of the transmission line in this sensitive area, and as it transects the
valley, will require consultation with and approval from state and federal
regulatory agencies. Additional information will be required before final
impact assessment and mitigation measures can be completed. Necessary
design information would include, at least, the exact route to be traversed,
-63-
type of line (buried, elevated, or a combination) and projected maintenance
and right-of-way requirements for each line section. Additional archaeolo-
gical investigation is recommended for the exact location at which the
line will bisect the Chilkoot Trail.
Aligning the transmission line along the existing Skagway-Dyea road would
result in the least cultural impact. In many cases the disturbance caused
by road construction appears to have been extensive. However, the use of
all or part of the road corridor would not eliminate additional planning
of mitigation measures prior to route approval.
An elevated transmission line would minimize the impact on cultural remains
in sensitive areas. However, the visual impact of the elevated line must
also be considered.
Sections of the corridor in the Taiya valley will cross private parcels of
land, some of which have had considerable land alteration. It is possible
that cultural resources may have already been disturbed in these areas.
Parts of the private property, especially around areas of disturbance,
were not surveyed.
Four additional areas within the eastern Taiya River valley which warrant
consideration include (a) the modern Chilkoot Trail and Trailhead, (2) the
group of structures east of the Skagway-Dyea road at mile 8.4, (3) the NPS
ranger station at "S.3 mile, and (4) the marine shell deposit at mile S.O.
The avoidance of these areas during routing will eliminate the need for
further investigation and mitigation. It is recommended that a more inten-
sive investigation be conducted at the mile 8.4 houses and the 8.0 shell
deposit should it be necessary to route in the immediate vicinity of these
features.
East Ridge to Skagway
In the Taiya River to Long Bay section of the development corridor, the
only significant cultural resource located was the" steel wire line over the
ridge. Impact on this site can be eliminated by avoidance of the area. If
this is not feasible, the line should be marked and activity in the imme-
diate area designed to avoid the trees supporting the line.
-64-
In the Long Bay to Skagway section there are two areas of sensitivity which
should be avoided to eliminate disturbance. These include the shed and
trail head area for the Skyline trail and the pet cemetary and suspension
bridge remains near the Skagway River. While neither might be classified
as significant resources, their avoidance would eliminate possible problems.
Alternate Corridors
It is recommended that the alternate route along the west side of Taiya
River valley receive a more thorough archaeological-historical survey if
this is selected as the preferred route. The close proximity of this route
to historic Dyea, passage through NPS administered lands, and high visi-
bility suggest this route may be more sensitive and difficult to mitigate
than the east Taiya valley route emphasized in this survey.
The high mountain corridor to Haines would also require an intensive survey
and mitigation program if it was selected as a preferred transmission
route. Higher elevation areas may be sufficiently surveyed by helicopter,
with on-ground survey limited to less difficult access areas where there is
greater potential for cultural remains.
-65-
REFERENCES
Carley, C.D., 1981. Assessment of Cultural Resources in Klondike Gold Rush
National Historical Park. Reconnaissance Report 40. Office of Public
Archaeology, University of Washington, Seattle.
Goldschmidt, W.R. and T.H. Haas, 1946. Possessory Rights of the Natives of
Southeast Alaska. Report to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
Mimeographed.
Krause, A., 1885. Die T1ingit Indianer. Trans. by Erna Gunther, The
T1ingit Indians. University of Washington Press, Seattle. 1956.
Oberg, I., 1973. The Social Economy of the T1ingit Indians. University of
Washington Proess, Seattle.
Sea1aska Corporation, 1975. Native Cemetary and Historic Sites of South-
eastern Alaska.
Spude, R.L., 1980. Chi1koot Trail. Anthropology and Historic Preservation,
Cooperative Park Studies Unit, University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Swanton, J.R., 1980. Social Conditions, Beliefs, and Linguistic Relation-
ship of the T1ingit Indians. Bureau of American Ethnology, 26th
Annual Report. Washington, D.C.
Viereck, L.A. and E.L. Little, Jr., 1972. Alaska Trees and Shrubs. U.S.
Forest Service, U.S.D.A., Agriculture Handbook No. 410. Washington, D.C.
Yehle, L.A. and R.W. Lemke, 1972. Reconnaissance Engineering Geology of
the Skagway Area, Alaska. U.S. Department of Interior, Geological
Survey, Open file report.
-66-
FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS
FOR WEST CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
PURPOSE
The principal objectives of this work were to:
1) Determine the extent of anadromous sa1monid use of
West Creek and its tributaries and to evaluate the
existence of rearing fish populations.
2) Determine fish use of West Creek above the lower gorge.
3) Collect available information on Eu1achon (Tha1iechthys
pacificus) runs at or near the mouth of West Creek.
4) Collect available information on sa1monids in the
Taiya River channel within one-half mile below the
confluence of West Creek.
5) Describe the stream channel habitat and substrate
conditions in West Creek (a) between the lower gorge
and the confluence with the Taiya River and, (b) in
upper reaches of West Creek used by sa1monids,
particularly Dolly Varden (Sa1ve1inus ma1ma).
Scope of Report
This report presents results which address the objectives outlined above.
The limited nature of fishery impacts resulting from the West Creek hydro-
electric project is discussed herein, and measures to protect, mitigate or
enhance fishery values are examined.
-67-
METHODOLOGY
A reconnaissance by Mssrs. Dan Bishop and Alex Milner was made on 16 and
17 July, 1981. From this investigation, four small tributary streams
entering West Creek above the lowest gorge were identified and designated
(Figure 30) for minnow trapping. This work was designed to determine if
anadromous or landlocked fish specie(s) were present above the lower
gorge.
Two-foot, galvanized wire minnow traps baited with boraxed salmon eggs
were fished for two hour periods in three tributaries, while the fourth
tributary (across West Creek and immediately above the dam site) was
fished for only 40 minutes because of helicopter scheduling. Ten traps
were deployed by S. Elliot (ADF&G), M. Schwann (ADF&G), and Joe Wallmo~
party to this investigation, in each of the two tributary channels of the
middle basin (within the clearcut) on 27 August. Twelve traps were used .
in the tributary entering West Creek one mile above the dam site and eight
traps were used in the small stream entering from the south immediately
upstream of the dam site on 11 September by D. Bishop and J. Wallmo.
Periodic examinations were made of the clearwater tributary entering West
Creek immediately downstream of the West Creek Bridge. Counts were made
of Dolly Varden seen in a pool of this tributary.
During the entire survey period the flows of both the Taiya River and West
Creek were high and waters were turbid, restricting visibility from the
stream banks.
Individuals contacted as part of the fishery investigation included:
Dave Cantillion -Regional Biologist, Commercial Fisheries Division,
ADF&G.
Discussed potentials and problems of a hatchery on West Creek.
-68-
Figure 30.
~e'L~YOir r:trIM~-tct
e.fe\,/' 712 I
-------
Location of tributaries examined
for fishery habitats.
o
Profc~e d
])3 ...... 4:h
~
CONIOUR
~ CAL E
112
IN1ERVAL 100 h.
Dave Clabaugh -Ranger, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park.
Discussed runs of Dolly Varden into West Creek and Eulachon
into Taiya River and lower West Creek.
Skip Elliot -Skagway City Manager.
Discussed distribution of fish populations in West Creek
drainage.
Steve Elliott -Biologist, Sport Fish Division, ADF&G.
Conversations regarding his observations made 27 August
while minnow trapping in West Creek, and on age and condi-
tion of Dolly Varden samples taken from a small tributary
in the clearcut.
Bob Hackett-Dyea resident.
Brief conversation regarding fish populations native to
tributaries entering below West Creek bridge.
David T. Hoopes -Biologist, R.W. Beck & Associates, Inc.
Observations on fish habitat, stream conditions, fish
observations during reconnaissance 8-25-81.
Alf Kalvick -Longtime Dyea resident.
Conversations regarding Dolly Varden and Eulachon runs.
RESULTS OF FISHERIES INVESTIGATION
West Creek and Tributaries Above Upper Gorge
Reports by residents of Skagway and Dyea indicated that few if any fish
resided or spawned in upper gorge waters near the proposed dam site. No
fish were observed during examinations of these waters by members of this
study team or by D. T. Hoopes during his reconnaissance on 25 August, 1981.
No fish were captured during minnow trapping in two tributaries entering
this portion of the West Creek drainage (see Figure 30). Both of these
tributaries had sections and stream edges with ample area of gentle stream
velocities and with fine gravel bed material suitable for spawning.
No attempts were made to trap fish in the fast turbid waters of West Creek
above the dam site. If fish reside in this upper basin, they are most
likely to be found in clearwater tributaries.
-70-
The gorge below the proposed dam site contains a series of cataracts and
chutes with sustained high velocity conditions (see Figures 31, 32 and
33). Upstream migration of salmonids is likely to be greatly limited or
prevented, at least for the period of high flows from May to November.
West Creek and Tributaries in Middle Basin
Several local people reported fish in two small mountain drainages entering
West Creek as it passes through the up-river portion of the clearcut.
Trapping on 27 August by S. Elliott, M. Schwann11 and J. Wallmo supported
these reports as did observations by D. Bishop and D. T. Hoopes. Dolly
Varden were present at very low density levels (some of the lowest in
Southeast Alaska) and representative samples of fish were aged at 3 years.
Elliott believes this population is probably resident (land-locked).
These two small streams join into a lower section with gentler gradient
before entering West Creek. There is ample good quality spawning gravel
in the lowest portion of these tributaries. Iron staining in the gravels
indicate that this lower part of the tributary receives flow from upwelling
groundwaters.
West Creek flows at high velocity without relief in this middle basin be-.
tween the upper and lower gorges. The streambed is dominated by boulders
and cobbles. There is little, if any, rearing or spawning habitat in this
channel.
Lower Gorge of West Creek
This extended section of rapids and falls is bordered and confined by
steep slopes or rock walls. The flow, as seen from the adjacent northerly
slopes, provides absolutely no access for fish traveling up the stream
bottom. No slow flowing water areas were seen (see Figure 3~. Blockage
to fish migration upstream may be more a function of sustained high
velocities than a result of a particular falls or rapids.
lIS. Elliott and M. Schwann are ADF&G fisheries biologists with the
Sportfish Division, Juneau.
-71-
Figure 31. Rapids below
damsite.
Figures 32 and 33. Cataract areas below damsite. Drop in lowest cataract
shown in Figure 34 is 1.2 to 1.8 m.
-72-
West Creek Between Lower Gorge and Taiya River Confluence
The single tributary joining West Creek in this section enters the main
stream immediately below the West Creek Bridge. This tributary is fed by
a mountain stream, by local areas of upwelling spring flow, and by flood-
waters during high flows of the Taiya River (Figure 35). There is no
evidence that any significant fraction of this tributary's flow derives
from surface or groundwaters of West Creek.
This tributary supports anadramous Dolly Varden. Adult fish were ob-
served congregating in a pond on the stream which is probably spring fed.
Two counts were made of fish in the pond: 60 and 48 Dolly Varden were
counted, respectively.
This tributary stream may also support a few fall chum (Oncorhynchus keta) ,
and coho (~kisutch) salmon, although local residents have not seen them
in this stream,. and none were seen during this investigation.
Shorelines of Lower West Creek and Taiya River
Turbidity of water generally prevented any meaningful observations along
the shorelines of lower West Creek and the Taiya River within one-half
mile downstream of the confluence. However, when the stream was visited
on 30 October, 1981, water clarity had begun to improve. An examination
of the shoreline near the mouth of West Creek showed no spawning salmon,
though a chum salmon carcass from up the Taiya River was caught in log debris
on the river below the West Creek confluence. West Creek, near its con-
fluence with the Taiya River, was neither minnow trapped nor seined for
possible resident population.
West Creek below the lower gorge is shown on Map 1, and prominent streambed
and streamside conditions are indicated.
Eulachon Spawning Habitat in Lower West Creek Vicinity
The Eulachon runs of the lower Taiya River also extend into the West Creek
confluence during some springs. The possible impact of regulation and
alteration of West Creek's stream flows upon Eulachon spawning is very
-73-
-74-
Figure 34. Series of falls and
rapids in West Creek
lower gorge directly
upstream from Taiya
River valley.
Figure 35. Tributary whioh
enters West Creek
below bridge.
Dolly Varden found
in pools.
difficult to assess. It is conceivable that timing or location of Eulachon
spawning may be altered during some springs by the influence of changed
temperature and volumes of West Creek waters. This possibility cannot be
evaluated at this time, due to both the minimal information available on
West Creek's Eulachon run, and the present lack of stream temperature
information. A summary of Eulachon life history is provided so that some
insight might be developed concerning the possible role of Taiya River
flow conditions in influencing Eulachon spawning runs.
Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) are Pacific smelt which spend two to
three years in marine environments, then migrate to rivers and streams of
the Pacific Coast from northern California to northern southeast Alaska.
These silvery fish range in length from 125 to 200 mm at 2-3 years of age.
They are exceedingly rich in oil and have been traditionally rendered for
cooking oil-by coastal and near-coastal Native peoples of the Northwest
and Alaska.
Spawning of Eulachon in Lynn Canal-Taiya Inlet streams occurs in early
May, and is evidently of shorter duration than in more southerly streams
(i.e. southern British Columbia). Great numbers of fish, probably domi-
nated by two-year olds, enter the sandy mouths of rivers to spawn.
Fertilized eggs eVidently settle upon the sandy bottom and become indi-
vidually attached to sand grains through an external membrane. Newly
hatched larvae are weak swimmers and probably migrate with currents back
into the estuary.
Eulachon streams in southeast Alaska are exclusively mainland rivers, with
significant contributions by glacial meltwaters and high sediment loads.
The early May spawning period to which Taiya River Eulachon are adapted
would provide conditions with increasing volumes of meltwaters and suspended
sediment load, and with water temperatures which are likely to fluctuate
diurnally, but remain at relatively low levels. As yet, no information
has been found which discusses or identifies the ecological requirements
of spawning Eulachon.
-75-
POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON FISHERIES
The construction of a dam and a reservoir in upper West Creek will destroy
no fishery values in that part of the watershed as none have been found to
exist. The proposed impoundment will inundate the lower portions of both
upper drainage tributaries which were fished with minnow traps during this
study. It is possible that some potential spawning and rearing habitat
may remain in one or both of these clearwater tributaries above the limit
of reservoir water, athough this has not been verified with accurate
engineering data determining the reservoir limits. Such potential habitat
would be useful if stocking the reservoir with fish was attempted.
The reservoir waters are likely to be considerably less turbid than present
stream waters, with only colloidal sized particles remaining in suspension
near the lower end of the impoundment. Stream velocities will, of course,
be radically reduced in the reservoir area.
The portion of West Creek between the dam and the powerhouse may be
subject to highly variable flow conditions ranging from very low flows
(likely in winter), to sizeable or large releases at other times of the
year. No fish are known to reside in or migrate through the mainstream of
West Creek above the lower gorge. However the two small tributaries of
the middle drainage which contain fish in their lower section may be
affected. Impact could result from partial loss of tributary channel
flows to groundwater because valley sediments are no longer saturated.
Occasional resident Dolly Varden from the two above mentioned tributaries
probably drift into the mainstream and are swept out of West Creek by high
flows. Greatly reduced flows will allow fish caught in the mainstream to
find pools and eddys in which to reside, at least temporarily.
The lower gorge of West Creek presently contains no fish habitat. Develop-
ment of a hydroelectric facility could result in pools in portions of the
gorge. These pools may be attractive to fishermen, seeking Dolly Varden
which may colonize these waters.
-76-
West Creek below the lower gorge and the proposed power house site contains
no identified salmonid habitat, although the stream does provide an access
route of several hundred yards by which anadromous Dolly Varden and pos-
sibly a few chum salmon reach the mouth of the tributary stream (see
Figure 37). There is no reason why this migration route need be disturbed
as a result of powerhouse installation and routing of tail race water back
into the stream channel. Stadia traverse information on the lower stream
section has been provided to assist with evaluation and facility design.
The possible impact of West Creek flow regulation upon Eulachon spawning
in the Taiya River has not been analyzed. A meaningful body of informa-
tion is simply not available. Most importantly, the spawning preferences
or requirements of Eulachon have not been determined, and no agency or
group interest in such work fundamental to habitat protection or management
has not been identified.
PROTECTION, MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT
The limited number of Dolly Varden present in the middle basin of West
Creek are probably resident and stunted in growth. No protective measures
are recommended for this population as it will probably survive habitat
alterations.
It is possible that some pools in the de-watered channel would become
habitat for resident fish. Fishermen using such pools should be protected
from sudden releases of water from the dam.
The natural alluvial channel below the powerhouse and lower gorge on West
Creek should be maintained so that fish migrating upstream from the Taiya·
River have access to the small tributary entering West Creek below the
bridge from the north. It appears unlikely that such a requirement would
necessitate additional mitigation beyond returning tail race water into
the West Creek channel. This will be better established after a map and
profile of the stream section is completed.
-77-
The proposed West Creek project would provide a potential for a salmon
hatchery water supply. The possibility of establishing a hatchery at the
head of Taiya Inlet was discussed several years ago both by the Northern
Southeast Aquaculture Association and by the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game. The water taken from the lower depths of the reservoir water supply
would be cold (4-60 C), poorly buffered (low conductivity, alkalinity, and
hardness), and milky. These conditions, and the apparent infertile
nature of the Taiya Inlet entry, could limit the usefulness of the site
for a hatchery. The objectives and operation of such a hatchery must also
address the species and timing of the returning run. For example, a
sizeable hatchery run of late chum salmon would create serious diffi-
culties in ADF&G management of the fall Lynn Canal fishery. On the other
hand, an earlier run of salmon, possibly harvested in Taiya Inlet, might
be compatible with harvest management strategy. The species composition
and run timing which would be feasible and desirable for a West Creek
hatchery must be determined before a decision is made to design and install
a tap off the penstock or other hatchery water supply possibilities.
Finally, there is the possibility that the tail race and lower West Creek
flow route(s) could be designed so that salmon running into the Taiya River
would be attracted to the channel for spawning. The concept of such a
design would be to utilize a regulated (or partially regulated) flow
derived from all or part of the tail race water to develop a salmon
spawning channel. While this concept has been used in British Columbia
projects, there has been no indication to date of support by the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game or the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture
Association for such efforts. Nevertheless, a significant potential may
exist.
-78-
APPENDIX A-I: SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS OF WILDLIFE SURVEY AREA AND
HABITAT TYPES
B.
A. North wall of West Creek Valley. Goat sign
most abundant above timber between arrows. +r--------------~~,$
Steep timbered slopes used as
winter goat habitat.
C. At right, brushy timber-alpine
ecotone at X on Photo A.
D. West wall of "Glacier Creek" valley.
~observed to most abundant from arrow
Goat use
to arrow.
E. North wall of West
F. Looking south up "Glacier Creek" valley,
saddle above Burro Creek at center.
APPENDIX B-1: INTERVIEW DATA
1) Burroughs, Rick -Long Bay area resident.
The survey team spoke with Mr. Burroughs at his log cabin on the
northwest shore of Long Bay, where he has resided for seven years. He
represents part of the recent growth of Taiya valley population; pre-
viously, Mr. Mathews and Mr. Patterson were the only permanent residents.
Mr. Burroughs called our attention to a small debris-filled hole
across the Skagway-Dyea road from his cabin.
2) Clabough, David -Ranger, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park.
The survey team talked with Mr. Clabough on several occasions during
the survey period, and on one occasion we patrolled the Dyea area with
him. We visited the old Dyea cemetary and discussed the amount and
rate of erosion that has been taking place in the vicinity of the
cemetary and the native village site that is reported to be in the
area. He was also able to provide general information on the gold
rush era houses/cabins that are still occupied in the area, and on the
location of visible remains of DKT Company activity southwest of Dyea.
3) Elliott, Skip -Dyea area resident, Skagway city manager.
We met with Mr. Elliott in his office at the Skagway City Hall and
discussed a map he had located in old city record books that indicated
there were mining claims in upper West Creek valley. He felt that
most would be well above the proposed project area. Mr. Elliott had
made several unsuccessful attempts at trying to locate the claims.
When asked about a possible historic native trail route from West
Creek basin into the Haines area, he said a traverse would be possible,
but the route would be very difficult. Mr. Elliott's familiarity with
the West Creek drainage was a great asset in evaluating the potential
for cultural sites in the area. In addition to the possible mining
claims in West Creek, Mr. Elliott noted that the entire ridge south
and east of Skagway was covered with mining claims, even though there
is no gold there.
4) Hosford, Fred -Skagway resident.
Mr. Hosford's father logged in the,Taiya River valley from the 1940's
into the 1960's and the family owns property at West Creek near the
powerhouse and tail race. The sheds and debris in the powerhouse
area date from the 1950's. Mr. Hosford remembers the larger shed
being occupied by an elderly man in the late 1950's, early 1960's.
The evidence of logging in the powerhouse site and transmission
corridor was done by the Hosford family in 1965.
5) Kalvick, Alf -Dyea area resident.
The Kalvick's live on the main road near the junction with the road
to the powerhouse. They have built their home, outbuilding and other
improvements in four years. Their property backs up to the McDermott
property to the east. Mr. Kalvick was able to provide information on
gravel depth from information he. gained while putting in his well.
He also provided information on the construction methods of the main
road. Over the course of the survey several visits were made to the
Kalvick's and stories of the area were enjoyed around the fire or at
least out of the rain.
6) McDermott, John and Lorna -Dyea area residents.
The McDermotts live in an 1898 log cabin along the Chilkoot Trail.
The cabin has been modified and some major repair work has been done.
The area around the cabin has been cleared and fenced for gardens and
animals. The cabin has been occupied only periodically .over the
years, but appears to be well-maintained. The McDermotts confirmed
the location of the historic Kinney Bridge to the north of the cabin
on the east side of the Taiya River.
7) Rapuzzi, Bob -Skagway resident.
Mr. Rapuzzi described an historic native trail that ascended the south
side of West Creek and traversed the mountains to the Chilkoot and
Chilkat drainages (Haines area). He did not know how frequently the
route had. been used, but indicated there were some rugged sections.
Mr. Rapuzzi was not familiar with possible past military activity on
the north side of the Skagway River, but indicated activity in that
area was sparse in the 1890's. Development of the north side of the
river occurred in later years, primarily after the construction of the
Skagway-Dyea road. At one time, there was a cable which crossed the
Skagway River near the 3.0 milepost. Mr. Rapuzzi indicated that the
rock quarries along the southern edge of Yakutania Point were used to
obtain fill material for the Skagway tide flats.
8) Selmer, Elizabeth -Skagway resident.
Contact was originally made with Ms. Selmer to obtain information
about her 4-acre property west of the Skyline Trail. Ms. Selmer
originally improved her property to receive a patent, but her cabin
burned some years ago. She indicated the shed located near the Skyline
Trail was also constructed by an individual seeking to patent the
area. Ms. Selmer recalled that the cables evident near the Skagway
River were originally part of a suspension foot bridge. She thought
the bridge was removed when the present Skagw~y airport was expanded.
The only sign of military activity Mrs. Selmer recalled was a large
antenna on Yakutania Point. She commented that the military was
primarily interested in the White Pass and Yukon Railroad on the south
side of the Skagway River.
APPENDIX B-2: MARINE SHELL DEPOSIT
This small marine shell deposit does not appear to contain cultural
material, however, only the exposed surface was investigated. The road has
cut into the deposit and it continues to erode. It is suggested that this
deposit receive additional attention before any project activity in the
area.
The shell deposit is locate4 50 m south of the 8.0 milepost along the
Skagway-Dyea road. The deposit is located on the top of a 3 m high rock
face which was formed during road construction. An unknown amount of shell
material was lost during construction.
The deposit is composed mostly of mussel shells, with a few gastropods
(.5 cm to 6.5 cm dia.), limpets, fish verterbrae and small bones. The
visible stratigraphy of the deposit appears to divide it into three rela-
tive distinct layers. The top layer is mixed with forest humus with small
roots and averages 40 to 60 cm in depth. The middle layer is densely
packed mussel shell and is from 10 to 40 cm in depth. The bottom layer has
a variety of shell material (mostly mussel), sand, old humus, and small
pieces of charcoal. This layer is from 5to 30 cm in depth.
The width of the exposed deposit is approximately 5 m, ,but all three layers
do not extend the entire width. While the surface of the site is under a
dense moss and humus cover, its approximate size is estimated to be 3 to
4 m2 • The deposit is about 3 m above the road bed which is 2 m above the
river level. It should be noted that these measurements are not referenced
to the mean tide level.
While this deposit is within the transmission line corridor, the small size
and close proximity to the road make it easy to avoid. If there 'will be
any disturbance to the area, further investigation should be considered.
APPENDIX B-3: SINGLE STEEL WIRE LINE
The following table describes remnants of the steel wire line located on the
ridge east of the Taiya River valley. The type of insulator, tree species
used for supporting pole and condition of the wire at the pole/insulator.
Insulator No.1 is located 10 m above the Skagway-Dyea Road at 6.6 mile. The
line between No.1 and No.8 leads from the road to the ridge top at a
bearing of S38°E. Between No. 9 and No. 11, the line drops down into the
Long Bay drainage at S45 0 E. The remnant line ends just beyond No. 11.
Insulator
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Note:
No. Insulator TIEe SUEEortins Tree
green glass Sitka spruce
green glass lodgepole pine
white ceramic lodgepole pine
white ceramic not on tree
green glass lodgepole pine
green glass lodgepole pine
green glass lodgepole pine
white'ceramic lodgepole pine
white ceramic lodgepole pine
white ceramic lodgepole pine
green glass not on tree
(dead)
Line Condition
Broken on downhill
side.
Hanging on wooden
insulator support.
Line is up.
Wire down but unbroken.
Broken and down.
Line is up, though
a tree is lying
across line.
Line is up.
Line down and broken.
Line is up.
Wire is on insulator,
but is broken.
Insulator hanging free.
Long spans noted between Nos. 2-3 and 5-6 indicate insulators
may be missing between these points.
T
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I I
I I T I I
I I I
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White Ceramic: No· identifiable markings
Green Glass: Raised letters near bottom "W. BROOKFIELD NEW YORK"
APPENDIX C-l: MEMORANDUM FROM S. ELLIOTT RE DOLLY VARDEN POPULATIONS,
WEST CREEK
MEMORANDUM
TO Mark Schwan
Assistant Area Biologist
Sport Fish Division
Juneau, Alaska
FROM: Steve E [ I i ot
Fishery Biologist
sport Fish Division
Juneau, A I aska
State of Alaska
DAT~ September 30, 1981
FILE NO:
TELEPHONE NO: 465-4270
SUBJECT: West Creek Do II y Varden Samp I es
I performed age analysis using the otol ith method on "rearing" char
captured in two tributarIes of West Creek (8/18/81/) to determine the
compositlon of resident 'Cnon-anadromous) char. Pigmentation was also
used as a criterion to separate resident from anadromous forms.
Age-length composition of Dolly Varden from both tributaries (see attached)
fel I into the range normally found in anadromous populations (Elliott,
1974), Body coloration was also typical of anadromous populations and
did not Indicate the dark pigmentation common to resident forms during
the fa II.
Catch rates (catch/trap/min.) were significantly different in the two
streams. This reflects a difference in fish density and habitat; the
upper stream representing marginal habitat with low fish densIty per
·Iinear distance as compared to more diverse, stabile habitat with hIgher
fl sh dens Ity I n the lower stream.
In summary, I would characterize the two streams as fol lows:
Lower Trl butary
02-001A( Rev.l0/79)
Sprlngfed wIth stab! Ie habitat features; supports a moderate
densIty of juvenIle anadromous char.
No coho were captured, even though traps were set In habitat where
they would most I ikely be found.
The stream has pools which may remain Ice free during the winter
and may harbor overwintering char of catchable size. These fIsh
are most likely to be Taiya or West Creek spawners that overwinter
in deep pools and outmigrate in the spring.
Mark Schwan -2-September 30, 1981
Upper Tributary
No coho were found In the stream.
Very marginal habItat supportIng a sma I I number of char. Streams of
this type typically support populations of nonanadromous char at
low densities and growth rates. The stream has an insIgnificant
contribution to annual productIon of char by West Creek. Development
In this area 1 even eradIcatIon of stocks In this tributary, would
not affect the strength of West Creek -Taiya stocks.
cc: Dan Bishop
enclosures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Age 0
WI F.L.
-0-
x
S.E.
S.D.
N=
CPUE :: .027
S.D. = .042
Age
WI
2.7
1.9
3.4
2.8
2.0
3.4
1.9
2.0
1.9
2.3
2.9
2.9
1.9
2
2.45
.14
.55
14
SPRING FED STREAM
I Age II Age' III
F.L. WI WI F.L.
62 9.2 97 -0-
54 11.8 100
66 11.4 105
62 5.4 80
57 7.1 86
68
58
54
57
-61
63
65
58
60
60.3 8.98 93.6
1.14 1.22 4.6
4.2 2.74 10.3
14 5 5
Age 0
WT F.L.
-0-
x
S.D.
S.E.
N
CPEU = .006
S.D. = .007
UPPER TRIBUTARY TO WEST CREEK
Age I Age II
WT F.L. WT F.L.
4.0 72 6.5 86
1.8 55 9.5 102
3.5 70 11.0 101
1.8 57
2.7 63.5 9.0 96.3
1.14 8.7 2.2 8.9
.57 4.3 1.3 5.1
4 4 3 3
Age III
WT F.L.
18.4 121
13.2 109
17.2 115
162 115
2.7 6.0
1.5 3.46
3 3