silver creek annual report 2017 silver... · midnight midnight midnight midnight midday midday...
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Ecosystem Sciences Foundation
2017
Silver Creek Annual Report
45 F
55 F
65 F
75 F
85 F
78 F
70 F
UpperStalker
LowerCain
UpperChaney
57.7 FMedian
56Days
70 F to 78 FStress Band
5Days
46.2 F
80.9 F
66.0 FMedian
43.8 F
76.2 F
62.3 FMedian
43.8 F
67.6 F
55.5 FMedian
>78 FThreshold
43.5 F
74.1 F
59.4 FMedian
18Days
67.9 F
LowerChaney
44.2 F
75.0 F
62.7 FMedian
34Days
Lower MudLowerStalker
45.1 F
85.7 F
64.3 FMedian
Silver Creek@ Hwy 20
32Days
5Days
52.5 FMedian
58.5 F
55.2 FMedian
66.5 F
Grove Crk. @Punkin Rd.
Wilson Crk.@ Hwy 20
LowerThompson
45.3 F
73.6 F
59.5 FMedian
14Days
LowerGrove (TNC)
45.5 F
68.2 F
57.0 FMedian
SullivanPond
46.2 F
87.9 F
60.2 FMedian
9Days
VisitorCenter (TNC)
47.6 F
Lower West FkLoving Crk
44.9 F
69.1 F
57.4 FMedian
43.6 F
72.0 F
58.1 FMedian
North Fk.Loving Crk
45.3 F
71.3 F
59.3 FMedian
6Days
UpperLoving Crk
46.0 F
73.2 F
62.7 FMedian
13Days
LowerLoving Crk
45.3 F
74.8 F
62.6 FMedian
25Days
Silver CrkS Turns
44.6 F
73.4 F
62.5 FMedian
18Days
Silver CrkKilpatrick Bridge
46.7 F
78.1 F
67.0 FMedian
61Days
Silver CrkSusieQ
46.2 F
80.9 F
67.7 FMedian
84Days
5Days
Silver Creek@ Hwy 93
45 F
55 F
65 F
75 F
85 F
78 F
70 F
70 F to 78 FStress Band
>78 FThreshold
45.8 F45.6 F
7Days
64Days
NoData2013
15Days
1Day
Stalker Creek12 cfs
Chaney Creek
Mud Creek
Grove Creek
Loving Creek
Sullivan Pond5 cfs
Grove Creek 62 cfs
WilsonCreek
CainCreek
Chaney Creek18 cfs
Grove Creek% of flow
Stalker Creek% of �ow
Sullivan Pond% of �ow
48%8% 4%
Chaney Creek% of �ow
14%
Mud Creek% of �ow
5%
Loving Creek% of �ow
21%
The flow diagram shows the mean stream flows in cubic feet per second per tributary. The realtive size of each tributary creek represents the amount of flow it contributes to the Silver Creek system.
Silver Creekat S Turns
ThompsonCreek
Loving Creek29 cfs
Mud Creek7 cfs
0
20
40
60
80
8/9/
2011
8/15
/201
1
10/2
8/20
11
3/21
/201
2
4/13
/201
2
5/9/
2012
9/7/
2012
10/2
4/20
12
0
20
40
60
80
8/9/
2011
8/15
/201
1
10/2
8/20
11
3/21
/201
2
4/13
/201
2
5/9/
2012
9/7/
2012
10/2
4/20
12
0
20
40
60
80
8/9/
2011
8/15
/201
1
10/2
8/20
11
3/21
/201
2
4/13
/201
2
5/9/
2012
9/7/
2012
10/2
4/20
12
0
20
40
60
80
8/9/
2011
8/15
/201
1
10/2
8/20
11
3/21
/201
2
4/13
/201
2
5/9/
2012
9/7/
2012
10/2
4/20
12
0
20
40
60
80
8/9/
2011
8/15
/201
1
10/2
8/20
11
3/21
/201
2
4/13
/201
2
5/9/
2012
9/7/
2012
10/2
4/20
12
0
20
40
60
80
8/9/
2011
8/15
/201
1
10/2
8/20
11
3/21
/201
2
4/13
/201
2
5/9/
2012
9/7/
2012
10/2
4/20
12
Flow: 160 CFS
Silver Creek Flow Diagram
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Stal
ker
Chen
ey
Mud
Gro
ve
Lovi
ng
Sulli
van
Mea
n Fl
ow (c
fs)
6.5
62.1
28.5
5.4
Mean
Erro
rBa
r
Max
Min
Legend
17.811.6
Ecosystem Sciences FoundationProduced by: Ecosystem Sciences Foundation 202 N. 9th St Suite 400 Boise, Idaho 83702 Phone 208.383.0226 Copyright © 2018
2017 Annual Report
Silver CreekWatershed
Photo: Shutterstock/ CSNafzger
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
50
60
70
80
Wilson Thompson Stalker Mud Grove Chaney Cain Loving
50
60
70
80
50
60
70
80
50
60
70
80
50
60
70
80
50
60
70
80
50
60
70
80
50
60
70
80
50
60
70
80
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2011 2012 2013 2014 20152016 2016 2016 2016 2016 201620162016
00
55
10
10
15
15
Dissolved Oxygen (Mg/L)
Dissolved Oxygen (Mg/L)
Mid
nig
ht
Mid
nig
ht
Mid
nig
ht
Mid
nig
ht
Mid
da
yM
idd
ay
Op
tima
l
Stre
ssfu
l
Le
tha
l
15
1050
Butte
Cre
ek
Gro
ve C
reek
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
15 15
10 10
5 5
0 0
Trout Eggs(Developing Embryos)
Juveniles and AdultsTemp ≤ 59° F Temp ≥ 59° F
Average Dissolved Oxygen Requirements for Salmonids
Optimal
Optimal
Optimal
Stressful
Stressful
Stressful
Lethal
Lethal
Lethal
15
10
5
0
4–7Stream TemperatureStream and springhead temperature
analysis for 2017
2-3Water Year - 2017A look into the historic winter and
water year of 2017
10–13Water QualityDissolved oxygen measurements,
results and discussion
14–15MacroinvertebratesFood base for the Silver Creek fishery,
USGS study
16–17Data Sharing/CooperationCooperating with the USFS stream
temperature monitoring nation-wide
8–9Stream HydrologyStreamflows in Silver Creek with
comparison from 2011 to 2017
18–19Next StepsAdditional areas of study, and a call
for funding next years program
Contents
1
2017 Report
Silver CreekWatershed
Ecosystem Sciences Foundation (ESF)
has been working in the Silver Creek
watershed since 2009, when it partnered
with The Nature Conservancy to develop a
Restoration and Enhancement Strategy for
the Silver Creek Watershed. The strategy
identified numerous actions to be taken,
including addressing data gaps on stream
flow, temperature and sediment conditions.
To address these data gaps, ESF began its
monitoring program in 2010 to increase our
understanding of the Silver Creek system.
This past year, ESF and its partners
continued to gather critical data on stream
flows, temperature, and dissolved oxygen.
In addition, ESF conducted statistical
analyses of temperature monitoring results
and prepared an in-depth review of recent
water quality research performed by the
U.S. Geological Survey.
To date, our Silver Creek program
has enjoyed support from numerous
stakeholders. Most of the land within
the watershed is privately owned;
consequently, landowners in the watershed
recognize the need to protect the
ecological health of the watershed, as well
as their rights as landowners. Our partners
and stakeholders have been integral in
helping us achieve our vision of providing
direction for stewardship of the Silver
Creek Watershed and in designing and
promoting appropriate stream restoration
and enhancement actions.
The significant conclusions and
findings from 2017 are:
• The three-year period of below
average discharge within the system
ended with a historic snowpack and
run-off year that reversed the trend.
• With some notable exceptions,
temperatures in the Silver Creek
system had lower average
temperatures than 2016.
• Dissolved Oxygen monitoring indicated
that in some areas of Silver Creek,
Dissolved Oxygen concentrations become
so low that they stress all life stages of
trout, especially in Butte Creek and Lower
Silver Creek. However, these conditions
are generally limited to early morning
hours. In the afternoon, Dissolved Oxygen
levels rise rapidly. Cold tributary creeks
like Grove, Chaney and Loving Creek
maintained higher Dissolved Oxygen levels
than Butte Creek and Lower Silver Creek.
• The USGS found that the Purdy Pond and
Kilpatrick Dam restoration projects did not
negatively affect stream macroinvertebrate
communities.
• Cooperation between ESF and USFS on
Silver Creek will result in better regional
data sets and new sampling for fish on
Silver Creek.The information that is presented in this report reflects summarized analysis of all data. We are presenting the most important aspects of the past season’s work in a way that tells a story of the stream system and watershed. The information presented here is a result of detailed, scientifically rigorous analysis, and reflects a considerable amount of field work to collect. The website has additional information on programs in the watershed, including raw and tabulated data.
For more details please visit: www.savesilvercreek.com
2
The water year for 2016-17 set
records after robust snow pack levels
accumulated over the winter. In 2017,
snow water equivalent (SWE) levels
within the Big Wood Basin were
measured at 319% of median from
those measured from 1981-2010. We
calculate the total streamflow volume
for the Big Wood River at Hailey (USGS
gauge#13139510) to be 249% above
median from streamflow measured
1981-2010. This has been great news
for the Silver Creek system, which relies
heavily on groundwater levels within the
Wood River Valley Aquifer, a system in
which three-quarters of inflow is received
directly from tributaries and streamflow
losses. As a spring-fed system, Silver
Creek’s water comes from groundwater
upwelling at springheads and streambed
groundwater inputs to maintain a stream
flows. In 2017, monitoring within Silver
Creek’s tributaries showed a significant
increase in spring and stream flows.
Additionally, none of the springs dried
up mid-summer, which has been
documented in previous low water years.
Well water monitoring within the South
Valley Groundwater District found that
groundwater depth and artesian pressure
was sustained at most wells throughout
the June to November 2017 timeframe.
The consistent, cool groundwater inputs
that continued throughout the summer
months led to a reduction in average and
maximum stream temperatures at most
locations when compared to the previous
four monitoring years (see pages 4-7 for
more details). These benefits underscore
the importance of groundwater as the
ecological driver of the Silver Creek
ecosystem.
Winter SnowWater Year
June 1, 2017Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report
Phot
o: S
hutte
rsto
ck/C
SNaf
zger
100,000Acre Feetof Water
Diverted from the Big Wood
IrrigationCanal
Network
Picabo
Gannett
Bellevue
Silver Creek
Big Wood R
iver
Big WoodWatershed
Area
Silver CreekWatershed
Area
Snowpack conditions, forecast streamflow runoff and groundwater flows were significantly increased in 2017. Major Silver Creek water
inflows or sources:
1) Groundwater inflows, Wood River Valley2) Irrigation diversions from the Big Wood River
3) Precipitation and Snowmelt
3Of the 15 SNOTEL sites in or near the Little Lost, Big Lost, Little Wood, Big Wood, and Camas Creek drainages, 14 sites have received the most precipitation between Oct 1 and April 1 on record. (NRCS, June 2017)
June 1, 2017Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report
In 2017, the Big Wood basin received the most precipitation between Oct 1 and April 1 on record.
Big Wood River stream flows (measured in acre-feet) for 2017 as compared to the most recent 30 year mean (1981-2010).
Big Wood Basin
319%of mediansnowpack
Big Wood Basin
165%of average
precipitation
Streamflows up to
250%of average
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Stre
amflo
w V
olum
e (a
cre-
feet
)
Big Wood River at Hailey
Stream Flow 2017 Stream Flow 1981-2010
2017
1981-2010
Chaney Grove Stalker Loving Silver CkS Turns
Silver CkDouble R
Silver CkSusie Q
32 F
40 F
50 F
60 F
70 F
80 F
90 F
4
Stream Temperature of groundwater for agricultural use,
therefore maintaining higher spring flows
year-round. As a spring-driven system,
these springs are critical to the health and
persistence of Silver Creek.
Temperature monitoring within Silver
Creek and its tributaries found average
and maximum stream temperatures had
decreased at most locations, as compared
to temperatures measured from 2013-
2016. This illustrates the connection
between the very high water-year, which
led to an increase in the duration and
quantity of groundwater, and lower overall
changes in air temperature and climatic
conditions. For the 13 spring head
loggers, median temperatures stayed
near 49.9°F throughout the summer
of 2017. As opposed to the past four
monitoring years,no springheads dried up
mid-summer. The record 2016-17 water
year increased groundwater levels and
allowed for both a longer duration of high
springhead flows and reduced extraction
Summer Stream Temperatures: The graph above indicates the maximum, average and minimum summer water temperatures on selected areas of Silver Creek over a four year period (2011-2017). This year, 43 stream temperature loggers and 13 springhead loggers were monitored throughout Silver Creek and on each tributary to record critical information and track changes in the system.
In 2017, we deployed 13 springhead
and 43 stream temperature loggers in
key locations throughout the Silver Creek
Watershed. It is important to monitor the
springs that feed Silver Creek because
they are the primary source of water to
the system and these springs provide
consistent, cool water to Silver Creek’s
tributaries that can mitigate against
Hayspur Rd.
Gannett Road
45 F
50 F
55 F
70 F
Cain CrkSpring Head
70 F to 78 FStress Band
47.6 F
50.5 F
W. ForkChaney
Spring Head
48.7 F 48.2 F
50.1 F
N. ForkChaney
Spring Head
Mud CrkSpring Head
49.2 F49.6 F
N. ForkGrove Crk
Spring Head
56.1 F
52.1 F
53.3 F
Wilson CrkSpring Head
E. ForkGrove Crk
Spring Head#1
48.5 F
E. ForkGrove Crk
Spring Head#2
49.1 F
50.1 F
51.2 F
50.5 F
E. ForkGrove Crk
Spring Head#3
ThompsonSpring Head
48.3 F
50.3 F
N. ForkLoving Crk
Spring Head#1
55.3 F
N. ForkLoving Crk
Spring Head#2
52.6 F
45 F
50 F
55 F
49.9 FAvg.
51.7 F
49.1 F
49.9 FAvg.
49.8 F
60 F
49.6 F48.3 FMedian
49.1 F
49.8 F50.3 F
50.1 F
49.1 F49.1 F49.1 F
60 F
50.3 F
52.8 F
50.3 F
49.2 F49.9 F
Grove Ck.
Lower Silver Ck.
Mud Ck.
Stalker Ck
Wilson Ck. Loving Ck.
Cain Ck.
Chaney Ck.
Upper Silver Creek
Lower Silver Ck.
HWY 20 - 26
Punkin Center Rd.
Price Lane
Springs of Silver Creek2017 Spring Head Temperatures
Cain CrkSpring Head
W. Fk Chaney CrkSpring Head
N. Fk Chaney CrkSpring Head
N. Fk Grove CrkSpring Head
Wilson CrkSpring Head
E. Fk Grove CrkSpring Head #1 E. Fk Grove Crk
Spring Head #2
E. Fk GroveSpring Head #3 Thompson Crk
Spring Head
N. Fk Loving CrkSpring Head #1
N. Fk Loving CrkSpring Head #2
Mud CrkSpring Head
Stream temperature bands The above graphic depicts the summarized spring head temperature data for the entire summer season. The data were analyzed for the summer season to illustrate the spring temperatures that occurred for the period of June through September 2017. Each graph displays the total temperature range from June 1 to September 30; the absolute high and low temperatures are given, and the median water temperature is shown for that particular spring.
5
temperatures. The most notable decrease in
temperature was measured in Cain Creek,
which for the first time since 2012 remained
below the stress band (70°F) for trout
throughout the monitoring period in 2017;
average temperatures decreased by 2-4°F
and maximum temperatures decreased by
4-10°F from those measured in 2013-2016. In
contrast, water temperatures in both Stalker
and Grove Creek increased, by about 3°F
and 1°F respectively, as compared to the
2014-2016 monitoring years.
A possible explanation for this increase
in stream temp is that in lower run-off years
a larger percentage of the creek water
is coming from springs that bring deep,
confined aquifer water to the surface. In
2017, there was more shallow groundwater
(warmer) entering the stream leading to
higher temperatures.
45 F
55 F
65 F
75 F
85 F
78 F
70 F
56.5 FMedian
48 Days
70 F to 78 FStress Band
44.6 F
77.9 F
65.5 FMedian
43.5 F
69.6 F
57.7 FMedian
67.4 F
53.8 FMedian
>78 FThreshold
43.1 F
56.8 FMedian
42Days
68.8 F
46.9 F
72 F
62.6 FMedian
6Days
53.1 FMedian
60.9 F
54.4 FMedian
66.5 F
41.4 F
71.9 F
56.8 FMedian
14Days
45.3 F
69.8 F
55.8 FMedian
47.4 F
42.9 F
69.4 F
56.9 FMedian
45.3 F
70.8 F
58 F Median
2Days
44.9 F
71.9 F
61.1 FMedian
7Days
43.5 F
72.5 F
59 F Median
14Days
48 F
67.7 F
60.2 FMedian
46.5 F
77.1 F
65 F Median
47Days
47.1 F
78.3 F
66.5 F Median
46Days
2Days
45 F
55 F
65 F
75 F
85 F
78 F
70 F
70 F to 78 FStress Band
>78 FThreshold
45.6 F43.6 F
46.4 F
77.9 F
60.5 FMedian
44 F
75 F
41.6 F
77.9 F
58.7 FMedian
47Days
UpperStalker
LowerCain
UpperChaney
LowerChaney
Silver Creek@ Hwy 20
Grove Crk. @Punkin Rd.
Wilson Crk.@ Hwy 20
LowerThompson
LowerGrove
North Fk.Loving Crk
UpperLoving Crk
LowerLoving Crk
Silver CrkS Turns
Purdy PondLower Kilpatrick
Silver CrkSusieQ
Silver Creek@ Hwy 93Mid Mud Lower Mud
Lower West FkLoving Crk
44.6 F
68.2 F
56.1 FMedian
Grove Ck.
Lower Silver Ck.
Mud Ck.
Stalker Ck
Wilson Ck. Loving Ck.
Cain Ck.
Chaney Ck.
Upper Silver Creek
Lower Silver Ck.
North Fork Loving Creek
Upper Loving Crk
Lower Loving Crk
Lower Thompson
Grove Crk @Punkin Cntr. Rd
Wilson Crk @ Hwy 20
Lower Grove Crk
Lower Mud
Lower Stalker
Sullivan Pond Visitor Center
Silver Crk S Turns
Kilpatrick BridgeLower Chaney
Upper Chaney
Lower Cain
UpperStalker
Lower W. Fk. Loving Crk
HWY 20 - 26
Gannett Road
Hayspur Rd.
Stalker Creek Rd.
Punkin Center Rd.Price Lane
Mid Mud
Purdy PondLower Kilpatrick
6
Stream temperature bands The above graphic depicts the summarized stream temperature data for the entire summer season for a selected group of data loggers and locations. The data were analyzed for the summer season to illustrate the high temperatures that occurred throughout the stream system for the period of June through the end of September 2017. Each graph displays the total temperature range for the period of record; the absolute high and low temperatures are given, and the median stream temperature is shown for that particular stream.
2017 Stream Temperatures Summary
45 F
55 F
65 F
75 F
85 F
78 F
70 F
56.5 FMedian
48 Days
70 F to 78 FStress Band
44.6 F
77.9 F
65.5 FMedian
43.5 F
69.6 F
57.7 FMedian
67.4 F
53.8 FMedian
>78 FThreshold
43.1 F
56.8 FMedian
42Days
68.8 F
46.9 F
72 F
62.6 FMedian
6Days
53.1 FMedian
60.9 F
54.4 FMedian
66.5 F
41.4 F
71.9 F
56.8 FMedian
14Days
45.3 F
69.8 F
55.8 FMedian
47.4 F
42.9 F
69.4 F
56.9 FMedian
45.3 F
70.8 F
58 F Median
2Days
44.9 F
71.9 F
61.1 FMedian
7Days
43.5 F
72.5 F
59 F Median
14Days
48 F
67.7 F
60.2 FMedian
46.5 F
77.1 F
65 F Median
47Days
47.1 F
78.3 F
66.5 F Median
46Days
2Days
45 F
55 F
65 F
75 F
85 F
78 F
70 F
70 F to 78 FStress Band
>78 FThreshold
45.6 F43.6 F
46.4 F
77.9 F
60.5 FMedian
44 F
75 F
41.6 F
77.9 F
58.7 FMedian
47Days
UpperStalker
LowerCain
UpperChaney
LowerChaney
Silver Creek@ Hwy 20
Grove Crk. @Punkin Rd.
Wilson Crk.@ Hwy 20
LowerThompson
LowerGrove
North Fk.Loving Crk
UpperLoving Crk
LowerLoving Crk
Silver CrkS Turns
Purdy PondLower Kilpatrick
Silver CrkSusieQ
Silver Creek@ Hwy 93Mid Mud Lower Mud
Lower West FkLoving Crk
44.6 F
68.2 F
56.1 FMedian
Grove Ck.
Lower Silver Ck.
Mud Ck.
Stalker Ck
Wilson Ck. Loving Ck.
Cain Ck.
Chaney Ck.
Upper Silver Creek
Lower Silver Ck.
Temperature preferences Fish occupy a variety of stream habitats with myriad niches and environmental conditions that allow them to tolerate different temperature ranges under a variety of conditions. Stream temperatures can become lethal to trout as they approach 85°F. These temperatures will cause mortality if the fish cannot find refugia. The latest research indicates that trout begin exhibiting stress at about 70°F. Although that temperature will not induce mortality, long term exposure can affect growth rates and other physiological factors. Consequently, we have selected a conservative temperature threshold of 78°F and a stress band of
>70°F to consider trout health over the long-term. Short-term exposure to higher temperatures can be tolerated
without adverse affects, as long as fish can escape to cooler areas and exposure
to high temperatures are not prolonged.
This map illustrates the Silver Creek stream and tributary system along with the locations of the stream temperature loggers. The temperature loggers are expressed in two categories for discussion and analysis purposes:
Location of stream temperature loggers illustrated in bottom graphic of seasonal temperatures
Location of all other stream temperature loggers
Stream temperatures are logged at one-hour intervals over a twenty-four-hour period for as long as the logger is left in place. The array of stream temperature loggers in the Silver Creek system is designed to capture temperature differences for each stream and tributary segment, from the spring source to Lower Silver Creek at the Highway 93 crossing.
Locations of Stream Temperature Logger Array
Silver Crk @Hwy 20
Susie Q
Silver Crk @Hwy 93
HWY 20 - 26
Picabo
7
The overall median temperatures throughout the summer were within the preference range for trout (around 55-60 degrees) in Cain, Chaney, Mud, Wilson, Grove, Thompson, and the upper reaches of Loving Creek. Stalker Creek, Lower Loving Creek and Silver Creek all had median temperatures above 60°F. However, the number of days that temperatures were within the stress band for trout (70°F-78°F) decreased significantly compared to measurements taken in 2013-2016. In 2017, Silver Creek at Highway 93 was the only site where temperatures exceeded the upper stress threshold (78°F) for trout.
Phot
o: P
at C
layt
on
0
20 40 60
80
100
120
140
160
CFS
2013
2014
Annual Average Flows in Silver Creek at Sportsmans Access (USGS gage)
0
50
100
150
200
250
1975
1980
1990
2000
2010
2017
2015
2016
2017
0
20 40 60
80
100
120
140
160
CFS
2013
2014
Annual Average Flows in Silver Creek at Sportsmans Access (USGS gage)
0
50
100
150
200
250
1975
1980
1990
2000
2010
2017
2015
2016
2017
8
Annual average streamflows (cfs) at USGS gage (Sportsmans Access) 1975 - 2017.
Stream HydrologyMonitoring streamflows is important,
as it helps build our understanding of
the volume and origin of water entering
Silver Creek’s tributaries and its potential
influence on water temperature,
dissolved oxygen and other water quality
parameters.
Total annual discharge at Sportsman’s
Access in 2017 was historically high
and flows were well above the 30-
year average. Silver Creek’s tributaries
had more flow than at any point since
monitoring began in 2011. It was a
significant water year for Silver Creek and
it’s tributaries. Similarly, the Big Wood
River had a large increase in annual
discharge in 2017.
Big Wood River Average Annual
Discharge (cfs):
2013 299.0
2014 309.7
2015 311.5
2016 406.4
2017 1,003.0
The 2017 water year resulted in above-
average flows in the Wood River, Silver
Creek, and its tributaries. These systems
are connected by a common groundwater
system that is dynamic and complex.
However, in 2017 the connection is clearly
evident; all of these systems had above-
average flows.
Silver Creek annual average streamflows (cfs) at USGS gage (Sportsmans Access) 1975 - 2017.
Stalker Creek16 cfs
Chaney Creek
Mud Creek
Grove Creek
Loving Creek
Sullivan Pond2 cfs
Grove Creek 72 cfs
WilsonCreek
CainCreek
Chaney Creek24 cfs
Stalker Creek
Sullivan Pond
39%
9%
1%
Chaney Creek
13%
Mud Creek
7%
Loving Creek
19%
The flow diagram shows the mean stream flows incubic feet per second (cfs) per tributary. The relativesize of each tributary creek represents the amount offlow it contributes to the Silver Creek system.
Silver Creekat S Turns
ThompsonCreek
Loving Creek35 cfs
Mud Creek12 cfs
Flow: 182 CFS
0
20
40
60
80
Stalker Cheney Mud Grove Loving
CFS
2011 2017 2011 2017 2011 2017 2011 2017 2011 2017
Grove Creek
9
Annual average streamflows by creek for 2011-2017. Data collected from 2011 - 2017 shows each creek’s average flow. The overall increase in streamflows (2017) affects many critical components of the aquatic ecosystem. Measurements were not continuous, but were distributed throughout the spring, summer and fall.
Percent of Flow Contribution by Creek. Data collected in 2016 indicates each creek’s cfs and percent contribution of Silver Creek’s flow.
2017 Streamflows
Grove Ck.
Lower Silver Ck.
Mud Ck.
Stalker Ck
Wilson Ck. Loving Ck.
Cain Ck.
Chaney Ck.
Upper Silver Creek
Lower Silver Ck.
Chaney CreekPond
HWY 20 - 26
Price Lane
10
Water QualityDuring the summer of 2016 dissolved
oxygen (DO) was measured continuously
from June through October at 6 sites. In
2017, an additional sensor was placed
in Upper Loving Creek. These data were
recorded using optical DO sensors that
record the DO and temperature value
every 15 min.
Similar to last year’s results, the data
indicated that not all of Silver Creek’s
waterways exhibit the same pattern of
DO values and that DO levels stress fish
in certain locations at certain times of the
day. Seasonal fluctuations also occur, as
changes in sunlight, temperature, flow and
aquatic plant growth vary throughout the
year.
In many areas of the Silver Creek
system the daily fluctuations in DO are
significant, which points to a productive
biological engine in the aquatic ecosystem.
As aquatic plant life within the stream
utilizes photosynthesis to create energy,
they produce oxygen. This raises DO
levels, which peak in the afternoon.
Overnight, plants continue to respire
without photosynthesis, which requires
oxygen (this demand is called biological
oxygen demand) which they take from
the water. This daily process causes DO
levels to be lowest just before dawn and
highest in the afternoon exhibiting a distinct
diurnal cycle. As shown by the diurnal
graphs presented, not all cycles are the
same. The new sensor placed at Upper
Loving Creek is in close proximity to the
Butte Creek sensor location. Despite their
close proximity in geographic space, their
DO levels vary significantly (see diurnal
plots on the facing page). This is due to a
combination of factors, including volume,
temperature, nutrient concentrations, and
aquatic plant life, among others.
When DO readings fall into the stressful
range for fish they will seek refuge in areas
that have higher DO concentrations. Fish
eggs are buried in gravels and lack the
mobility to escape these conditions. At
selected sites, 25% of all measurements
made were at stressful to lethal levels for
fish and their eggs (1st quartile at Suzie
Q and Butte: 5.3mg/L; Lower SC at the
Trestle: 6.5mg/L). The seasonal graphs
present all data points taken during the
2017 season.
Dissolved Oxygen
0 0
5 5
10 10
15 15
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
Midnight Midnight Midnight MidnightMidday Midday
Optimal
Stressful
Lethal
15
10
5
0
Butte CreekUpper Loving Creek
Grove Ck.
Lower Silver Ck.
Mud Ck.
Stalker Ck
Wilson Ck. Loving Ck.
Cain Ck.
Chaney Ck.
Upper Silver Creek
Lower Silver Ck.
Hayspur Rd.Upper Loving Crk
Grove Crk
Butte Crk
Lower Silver Crk @Trestle
Susie Q
HWY 20 - 26
Gannett Road
Stalker Creek Rd.
Picabo
Lower Loving Crk
Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen - Comparison of Two Sites. These graphs display the diurnal change in dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature for two sites over the period of one day. In Butte Creek, DO ranged from a low of around 3.1 mg/L to a high 16.4 mg/L, with a median of 7.3 mg/L. This large daily fluctuation in DO is significant and points to a productive biological engine in the aquatic ecosystem. Compare this with Upper Loving Creek (located in close proximity, low of 4.7 mg/L to a high 11.0 mg/L ) and the contrast in the daily fluctuation is very noticeable. Upper Loving Creek and Butte are therefore in close proximity but have contrasting DO patterns.
Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring Locations. This map displays the location of dissolved oxygen (DO) continuous monitoring sites for 2017. The array of monitoring locations was selected to monitor the watershed at many different points and the different variables in each tributary including flow volume and water temperatures.
0
5
10
15
Jul Aug Sep Oct
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
DO 4 Grove Creek
0
5
10
15
Jul Aug Sep Oct
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
DO 6 Chaney Creek Pond
Chaney Creek Pond
Grove Creek
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
15 15
10 10
5 5
0 0
Trout Eggs(Developing Embryos)
Juveniles and AdultsTemp ≤ 59° F Temp ≥ 59° F
Average Dissolved Oxygen Requirements for Salmonids
Optimal
Optimal
Optimal
Stressful
Stressful
Stressful
Lethal
Lethal
Lethal
15
10
5
0
0
5
10
15
Jul Aug Sep Oct
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
DO 7 Upper Loving Creek
Upper Loving Creek
12
Dissolved Oxygen Results
Average Dissolved Oxygen Requirements for Salmonids. Trout, depending on thier particular life stage (egg, Juvenile, Adult), have differing requirements and thresholds for dissolved oxygen levels. Water temperature also plays a major role in dissolved oxygen levels. (Adapted from EPA’s Chapman, 1986, and USFWS’s
Raleigh et al 1984, and Raleigh et al 1996).
0
5
10
15
Jul Aug Sep Oct
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
DO 2 Butte Creek
0
5
10
15
Jul Aug Sep Oct
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
DO 5 Lower Silver Creek at Trestle
0
5
10
15
Jul Aug Sep Oct
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
DO 3 Lower Loving Creek
0
5
10
15
Jul Aug Sep Oct
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
DO 1 Sussie Q Lower Silver Creek
Lower Loving Creek Susie Q
Butte Creek Lower Silver Creek at Trestle
13
14
Macroinvertebrate Communities
Silver Creek supports a wide diversity
of aquatic life and is a world-renowned
trout fishery. To protect this resource,
Ecosystem Sciences Foundation worked
with The Nature Conservancy and local
stakeholders to develop the Restoration
and Enhancement Strategy for the
Silver Creek Watershed in 2011. The
Enhancement Strategy identified the
impounded reach upstream of Purdy
Dam as a top enhancement priority due
to increased sediment accumulation and
elevated water temperatures. The dam
itself also blocked fish passage.
Following the publication of the
Enhancement Strategy, The Nature
Conservancy worked with multiple partners
to develop a plan to replace Purdy Dam
and dredge portions of Purdy Pond
(upstream) to improve habitat conditions.
Many stakeholders were concerned about
how the restoration project might affect
local macroinvertebrate communities.
Healthy macroinvertebrate communities
serve as an indicator of good water quality
and general stream health.
Macroinvertebrates are also an important
food source for trout and other resident fish
species. To address these concerns, the
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed
a study to evaluate macroinvertebrate
communities before and after the channel
restoration project (MacCoy and Short
2017).
Two trend sites were established in
2001 to provide base-line monitoring data.
These two sites were located at the Silver
Creek Nature Preserve and at Silver Creek
at Sportsman Access, which is also the
location of USGS Gage#13150430 - a
gage that provides continuous discharge
and temperature data. Five synoptic
sites were also established upstream of
Purdy Dam: one upstream of Kilpatrick
1 MacCoy, D.E., and Short, T.M., 2017, Macroinvertebrate communities evaluated prior to and following a channel restoration project in Silver Creek, Blaine County, Idaho 2001–16: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2017–5126, 25 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175126.
15
Pond in a free-flowing stretch of Silver
Creek, three within Kilpatrick Pond and,
one within Purdy Pond. The two trend
sites also serve as synoptic sites. At all
sites, macroinvertebrate samples were
taken along with measurements of water
depth, velocity, temperature, pH, specific
conductance, and dissolved oxygen. The
methods to obtain these data differed
between trend and synoptic sites. For
example, macroinvertebrate samples were
collected from naturally occurring stream-
bottom substrates at trend sites, while
artificial substrates were used at synoptic
sites. Trend sites were sampled once every
3 years (2001–16) in early to mid-June.
Synoptic sites were sampled seasonally
(spring, summer, and autumn) at all site
locations in 2013, 2015, and 2016.
The following metrics were evaluated:
total taxonomic richness (taxa richness);
total macroinvertebrate abundance (total
abundance); Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera,
and Trichoptera (EPT) richness; EPT
abundance; Simpson’s diversity and;
Simpson’s evenness. A statistically
significant decrease in one or more metric
values following the project implementation
in 2014 would indicate impairment of
Mayflys (Ephemeroptera) were abundant at all monitoring sites pre- and post-restoration.
macroinvertebrate populations.
After establishing temporal patterns
to identify impairment thresholds in
macroinvertebrate communities in the
years preceding restoration, trend site
results found no significant decrease in
any metric parameter for communities
sampled in 2016 as compared to
previous years. At synoptic sites, there
was no significant change in total
macroinvertebrate abundance from
prior to restoration (2013) and post-
restoration (2015 and 2016). There was
also no statistically significant difference
in EPT abundance, Simpson’s diversity
or Simpson’s evenness among pre- and
post-restoration sampling years. However,
there was a statistically significant
increase in EPT richness.
The study results indicate that the
channel restoration project, which included
the removal of Purdy Dam and dredging
within Purdy Pond, did not negatively
affect macroinvertebrate communities
in Silver Creek. Additional post-project
macroinvertebrate monitoring is planned
by the USGS to assess long-term effects.
16
Working in Cooperation
An important objective of our Silver
Creek Program is to make our monitoring
data easily accessible and available to
anyone who would like to learn more about
Silver Creek, and to add to the body of
knowledge and aid in future research of
Silver Creek. For that reason, the majority
of our monitoring data and all of our
annual reports are available online at the
savesilvercreek.org website.
In early 2018, the U.S. Forest Service
contacted Ecosystem Sciences Foundation
about adding the continuous temperature
data from Silver Creek to their extensive
temperature database and interactive map,
which includes over 5,400 sites across
the United States. While some of our
temperature data is collected seasonally
(summer), many of the sites contain full
year stream temperature data. All these
data were provided to the U.S. Forest
Service to add to their monitoring network.
The collection and mapping of this
comprehensive temperature monitoring
network has widespread research
applications. For example, the temperature
database was used to develop and update
the U.S. Forest Service’s Climate Shield
website, which provides geospatial data
that can 1) identify current locations of cold
USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station Boise Aquatic Sciences Lab
17
water refuge streams for native cutthroat trout and bull trout,
and 2) forecast locations under varying climate scenarios
that can aid in the protection of species and the prioritization
of restoration activities, among other applications.
In response to this data request, ESF is considering
deploying some of it’s temperature monitoring loggers year-
round at set locations to aid in the long-term collection of
year-round stream temperature information in this area.
Full Year Stream Temperature Monitoring Sites; USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station Boise Aquatic Sciences Lab
The Dynamic Mapping Tool provides a spatial index to over 5,500 sites on streams and rivers in the U.S. and Canada where full year stream temperatures are currently being monitored by numerous agencies. The primary goal is to portray a comprehensive set of sites across all agencies to facilitate data sharing and avoid redundancies, as new monitoring sites are added to the regional network. Raw temperature data are not downloadable through this site, but typically reside with the local data stewards, whose contact information is displayed by clicking on a point in the map. The map is updated once each winter to maintain an accurate description of current monitoring locations.
United States stream temperature and climate map
A Northwest United States temperature and climate map developed from data at more than 16,000 sites that was used to highlight climate refugia for mountain stream species. Credit: Dan Isaak, U.S. Forest Service
Next Steps
eDNA MonitoringIn partnership with the National
Genomics Center for Wildlife and
Fisheries Conservation, Ecosystem
Sciences Foundation would like to
conduct Environmental DNA (eDNA)
sampling in Silver Creek and its
tributaries in 2018. The collection of
eDNA has become a common tool among
researchers to detect the presence
of macrobial species (i.e. fishes,
amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, and
insects) based on the presence of their
DNA in air, water and soil. The use of
eDNA sampling has been found to be a
simple and efficient tool for determining
a species’ presence in an ecosystem
and is often as effective as traditional
sampling techniques. Of interest, eDNA
can be used to detect species that
are rare, difficult to find, or are in low
densities within the ecosystem. For
streams, conducting eDNA sampling
is non-invasive and generally involves
filtering several liters of water from the
area of interest and then testing for DNA
signatures. This permits rapid collection
of large numbers of samples, each with
a high probability of species detection.
In the Silver Creek watershed, eDNA
sampling would be used to estimate
the abundance and distribution of
rainbow trout, brown trout and other fish
species. This study will provide important
information about Silver Creek’s fish
species for both conservation and
recreational purposes. Please consider
a donation to support this innovative
project!
Fish Habitat Analysis and Mapping
Fish habitat features and redd counts
were surveyed on nearly all the tributaries
in Silver Creek in fall 2015 and spring
2016. However, due to lack of funding,
the mainstem of Silver Creek has not
been surveyed yet. ESF is seeking funds
to conduct redd counts in the mainstem
Silver Creek during the spring season
and fall seasons in 2018. Our goal is to
create a database of redd locations for
brown and rainbow trout, as well as a
map that identifies redd locations and
delineates habitat such as: spawning
areas, early rearing and nursery areas,
side channels, pools, undercut banks,
resting and feeding zones, and an
evaluation of streambank conditions.
18
Monitoring and MaintenanceOver the past 7 years, the Silver
Creek Program has monitored
stream hydrology, water temperature,
sedimentation and most recently
dissolved oxygen. Combined, these
parameters are indicators of ecosystem
health, much like checking our own body
temperature and circulatory system.
Monitoring is paramount to understanding
ecological processes and relationships,
identifying trends and establishing
effective strategies for enhancement.
However, monitoring is a long term
scientific tool that must be done consistently
over time; the more data collected, the more
meaningful the results. As our monitoring
program continues, it is necessary to
periodically replace temperature sensors
and redeploy DO sensors, which comes at
a capital cost. We are seeking additional
funding to maintain our monitoring equipment
and to continue these important programs.
FundingTo continue our ongoing monitoring work and
perform new analyses, as described above,
our Silver Creek Program needs additional
funding. Our program is heavily based on
monitoring and data analysis; we have found that
these activities alone are rarely funded through
traditional grant programs. Please consider
a donation to continue this important work. A
substantial volunteer effort goes into the Silver
Creek program each year and your donations
directly support the Program. Thank you for your
support!
Ecosystem Sciences Foundation
202 N 9th Suite 400
Boise, Idaho 83702
19
Ecosystem Sciences
Foundation
202 N 9th Suite 400
Boise, Idaho
83702
P: 208 383 0226
F: 208 368 0184
www.ecosystemsciences.com www.savesilvercreek.org
Silver Creek Annual Report
2017