Upper Grande Ronde River Basin Stream Temperature Model Expansion
Abstract
As part of a previous contract with The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), WSI completed stream temperature modeling of 17 streams in the Upper Grande Ronde River basin. Heat Source models were set up and calibrated for a 3-week time period spanning August 6–27, 2010 in order to assess critical summertime conditions. CRITFC has contracted with WSI to expand these 3-week models to cover the months of July, August, and September of 2010. This report summarizes the remote sensing and ground level data and describes the expanded stream temperature modeling results. The goal of the project was to use previously collected high-resolution landscape and water quality data for use in the Heat Source stream temperature model. Stream temperature was simulated for the Grande Ronde River, Catherine Creek, and several of their tributaries for a period between July 10 and September 20, 2010. The simulation period is representative of low-flow and high stream temperature conditions, when salmonid habitat is at its most critical condition. Approximately 247 stream miles were simulated above the confluence of Catherine Creek and the Grande Ronde River. The streams of interest are either historic or current salmonid habitat.
Authors
Citation
Watershed Sciences. 2012. Upper Grande Ronde River Basin stream temperature model expansion. Prepared for Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. Watershed Sciences, Inc. Portland, OR. p.210.