DOCSLIB.ORG

Phase 1 Rec Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Phase 1 Rec Report Klamath River Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 2082 Flows and Recreation Phase I Report for Upper River Segments PacifiCorp Portland, Oregon May 2002 Copyright © 2002 by PacifiCorp Reproduction in whole or in part without the written consent of PacifiCorp is prohibited. USR021420025.DOC USR021420025.DOC CONTENTS Section Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................1-1 1.1 STUDY GOALS .................................................................................................1-1 1.2 STUDY OBJECTIVES.......................................................................................1-1 1.3 REPORT ORGANIZATION..............................................................................1-2 2.0 METHODS ....................................................................................................................2-1 2.1 EXISTING LITERATURE.................................................................................2-1 2.2 INTERVIEWS ....................................................................................................2-1 2.3 RESOURCE RECONNAISSANCE...................................................................2-2 2.4 INTEGRATING INFORMATION.....................................................................2-3 2.4.1 Developing Flow Evaluation Curves ...................................................2-3 2.4.2 Assessing Project Impacts....................................................................2-5 2.4.3 Information Limitations .......................................................................2-6 3.0 STUDY AREA...............................................................................................................3-1 3.1 RIVER AND RESERVOIR SEGMENTS..........................................................3-1 3.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BASIC HYDROLOGY................................3-3 3.2.1 Project Facilities...................................................................................3-3 3.2.2 Basic Hydrology of the Upper Klamath Project ..................................3-5 4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION BY SEGMENT........................................................4-1 4.1 LINK RIVER ......................................................................................................4-1 4.1.1 Recreation Opportunities......................................................................4-1 4.1.2 Flow Requirements ..............................................................................4-3 4.1.3 Project Effects......................................................................................4-5 4.1.4 Future Study Needs and Options..........................................................4-6 4.2 KENO REACH...................................................................................................4-7 4.2.1 Recreation Opportunities......................................................................4-8 4.2.2 Flow Requirements ..............................................................................4-9 4.2.3 Project Effects....................................................................................4-12 4.2.4 Future Study Needs and Options........................................................4-13 4.3 J. C. BOYLE BYPASS REACH.......................................................................4-14 4.3.1 Recreation Opportunities....................................................................4-15 4.3.2 Flow Requirements ............................................................................4-16 4.3.3 Project Effects....................................................................................4-18 4.3.4 Future Study Needs and Options........................................................4-19 4.4 HELLS CORNER.............................................................................................4-20 4.4.1 Interview Sample Profile....................................................................4-23 4.4.2 Recreation Opportunities....................................................................4-24 4.4.3 Flow Requirements ............................................................................4-28 4.4.4 Project Effects....................................................................................4-40 4.4.5 Future Study Needs and Options........................................................4-40 4.5 COPCO NO. 2 BYPASS REACH....................................................................4-41 © May 2002 PacifiCorp USR021420025.DOC Page i Section Page 4.5.1 Recreation Opportunities....................................................................4-43 4.5.2 Flow Requirements ............................................................................4-43 4.5.3 Project Effects....................................................................................4-44 4.5.4 Future Study Needs and Options........................................................4-44 4.6 SUMMARY OF RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES AND FLOW REQUIREMENTS......................................................................................4-44 5.0 REFERENCES..............................................................................................................5-1 Appendixes A Interview List............................................................................................................... A-1 B Interview Format..........................................................................................................B-1 C Additional Hells Corner Information for Recreating Planning................................... C-1 Tables 1 Summary of September 2001 Fieldwork......................................................................2-3 2 Summary of River Segments........................................................................................3-2 3 Summary of Lakes and Reservoirs on Upper Klamath River ......................................3-2 4 Summary of Hydroelectric Facilities on Upper Klamath River...................................3-3 5 Summary of Guidebook Recommendations for Hells Corner boating.......................4-30 6 Responses to Hells Corner Trip Timing Questions ....................................................4-38 7 Summary of Acceptable and Optimal Ranges for Upper Klamath Opportunities .....4-45 Figures 1 Map of Project Area and Recreation Segments............................................................3-1 2 Schematic Drawing of Upper Klamath Hydroelectric Facilities..................................3-4 3 Average Daily Flows on Keno Reach..........................................................................3-8 4 Days With Hells Corner Flows Lower Than 1,400 Cfs..............................................3-11 5 Days With Hells Corner Flows Higher Than 1,700 Cfs.............................................3-12 6 Days With Hells Corner Flows Higher Than 2,800 Cfs.............................................3-12 7 Map Of Link River .......................................................................................................4-2 8 Flow Evaluation Curves for Boating and Angling on Link River................................4-4 9 Map of Keno Reach......................................................................................................4-7 10 Flow Evaluation Curves for Boating and Angling on Keno Reach............................4-10 11 Map of J. C. Boyle Bypass Reach..............................................................................4-15 12 Flow Evaluation Curves for Boating and Angling on J. C. Boyle Bypass Reach......4-17 13 Map of Hells Corner Reach........................................................................................4-22 14 Annual Boating Use on Hells Corner Reach..............................................................4-27 15 Flow Evaluation Curves for Hells Corner Fishing and General Recreation .............4-29 16 Flow Evaluation Curves for Standard and Challenge Opportunities on Hells Corner...........................................................................................................4-34 © May 2002 PacifiCorp USR021420025.DOC Page ii Section Page 17 Flow Evaluation Curves and Range Bars for Hells Corner Boating Opportunities ..............................................................................................................4-35 18 Flow Evaluation Curves for Range Bars for Hells Corner Boating (Rafts Vs. Kayaks)......................................................................................................4-36 19 Number of One-Day and Overnight Commercial Trips on Hells Corner..................4-39 20 Map of Copco No. 2 Bypass Reach and Fall Creek Area ..........................................4-42 © May 2002 PacifiCorp USR021420025.DOC Page iii PacifiCorp Klamath River Hydroelectric Project Flows and Recreation—Phase I Report for Upper Segments 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Klamath River flows southwest out of Oregon’s Upper Klamath Lake (UKL) approximately 220 miles to the Pacific Ocean near Klamath, California. The upper 64 miles of the river (from the outlet of UKL to Iron Gate Dam) are generally considered the Upper Klamath River; it features five distinct river segments defined by the location of various hydroelectric facilities (dams, reservoirs, or powerhouses). The facilities are operated by PacifiCorp as the Klamath River Project (FERC 2082); PacifiCorp is applying to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a license to
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Link River Algae Removal Demonstration Project: Phase 1 Final Report
    Klamath River Hydroelectric Project Interim Measures Implementation Committee: Interim Measure 11 Link River Algae Removal Demonstration Project: Phase 1 Final Report July 5, 2017 Prepared for: Portland, Oregon Prepared by: CH2M 2020 SW 4th Ave, Suite 300 Portland, Oregon 97201 Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Conceptual Description of the Demonstration Project ....................................................................... 1 2.1 Location ......................................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Proposed Demonstration Project Facilities and Operations ......................................................... 2 3 Assessment of Needed Permits and Regulatory Approvals................................................................. 4 3.1 Removal‐Fill Permit ....................................................................................................................... 4 3.2 Fish‐Related Regulatory Requirements ........................................................................................ 6 3.3 Other Regulatory Permits or Approvals ...................................................................................... 10 4 Assessment of Use and Disposal of Harvested Algae Material .......................................................... 10 5 Additional Considerations ..............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Indian Country Welcome To
    Travel Guide To OREGON Indian Country Welcome to OREGON Indian Country he members of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Ttribes and Travel Oregon invite you to explore our diverse cultures in what is today the state of Oregon. Hundreds of centuries before Lewis & Clark laid eyes on the Pacific Ocean, native peoples lived here – they explored; hunted, gathered and fished; passed along the ancestral ways and observed the ancient rites. The many tribes that once called this land home developed distinct lifestyles and traditions that were passed down generation to generation. Today these traditions are still practiced by our people, and visitors have a special opportunity to experience our unique cultures and distinct histories – a rare glimpse of ancient civilizations that have survived since the beginning of time. You’ll also discover that our rich heritage is being honored alongside new enterprises and technologies that will carry our people forward for centuries to come. The following pages highlight a few of the many attractions available on and around our tribal centers. We encourage you to visit our award-winning native museums and heritage centers and to experience our powwows and cultural events. (You can learn more about scheduled powwows at www.traveloregon.com/powwow.) We hope you’ll also take time to appreciate the natural wonders that make Oregon such an enchanting place to visit – the same mountains, coastline, rivers and valleys that have always provided for our people. Few places in the world offer such a diversity of landscapes, wildlife and culture within such a short drive. Many visitors may choose to visit all nine of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes.
    [Show full text]
  • Dispersal of Larval Suckers at the Williamson River Delta, Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, 2006–09
    Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation Dispersal of Larval Suckers at the Williamson River Delta, Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, 2006–09 Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5016 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover: Inset: Larval sucker from Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. (Photograph taken by Allison Estergard, Student, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 2011.) Top: Photograph taken from the air of the flooded Williamson River Delta, Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. (Photograph taken by Charles Erdman, Fisheries Technician, Williamson River Delta Preserve, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 2008.) Bottom left: Photograph of a pop net used by The Nature Conservancy to collect larval suckers in Upper Klamath Lake and the Williamson River Delta, Oregon. (Photograph taken by Heather Hendrixson, Director, Williamson River Delta Preserve, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 2006.) Bottom middle: Photograph of a larval trawl used by Oregon State University to collect larval suckers in Upper Klamath Lake and the Williamson River Delta, Oregon. (Photograph taken by David Simon, Senior Faculty Research Assistant, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 2010.) Bottom right: Photograph of a plankton net used by the U.S. Geological Survey to collect larval suckers in Upper Klamath Lake and the Williamson River Delta, Oregon. (Photographer unknown, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 2009.) Dispersal of Larval Suckers at the Williamson River Delta, Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, 2006–09 By Tamara M. Wood, U.S. Geological Survey, Heather A. Hendrixson, The Nature Conservancy, Douglas F. Markle, Oregon State University, Charles S. Erdman, The Nature Conservancy, Summer M. Burdick, U.S. Geological Survey, Craig M. Ellsworth, U.S. Geological Survey, and Norman L.
    [Show full text]
  • KLAMATH HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT [FERC No
    KLAMATH HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT [FERC No. 2082] REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY Copco No. 1, c1915 PacifiCorp Archives Photo for PacifiCorp, Portland, OR Prepared by George Kramer, M.S., HP Preservation Specialist Under contract to CH2M-Hill Corvallis, OR October 2003 App E-6E DOE 1_Cover.doc DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR THE NATIONAL REGISTER Property Name: KLAMATH HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT Date of Construction: 1903-1958 Address: N/A County: Klamath, Oregon Siskiyou, California Original Use: Hydroelectric Generation Current Use: Hydroelectric Generation Style: Utilitarian/Industrial Theme: Commerce/Industrial _____________________________________________________________________________________ PRIMARY SIGNIFICANCE: The resources of the Klamath Hydroelectric Project were built between 1903 and 1958 by the California Oregon Power Company and its various pioneer predecessors and are now owned and operated by PacifiCorp under Federal Energy Regulatory License No. 2082. The resources of the project are strongly associated with the early development of electricity in the southern Oregon and northern California region and played a significant role in the area’s economy both directly, as a part of a regionally-significant, locally-owned and operated, private utility, and indirectly, through the role that increased electrical capacity played in the expansion of the timber, agriculture, and recreation industries during the first six decades of the 20th century. The Klamath Hydroelectric Project is considered regionally significant and eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion “A” for its association with the industrial and economic development of southern Oregon and northern California. [See Statement of Significance, Page 19] Copco No. 1, Dam and Gatehouse, 2002 In my opinion, the property ___ meets ___ does not meet the criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
    [Show full text]
  • Distribution of Anadromomous Fishes in the Upper Klamath River
    Distribution of Anadromomous Fishes in the Upper Klamath River Watershed Prior to Hydropower Dams— A Synthesis of the Historical Evidence fisheries history Knowledge of the historical distribution of anadromous fish is important to guide man- agement decisions in the Klamath River including ongoing restoration and regional recovery of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Using various sources, we determined the historical distribution of anadromous fish above Iron Gate Dam. Evidence for the feature largest, most utilized species, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), was avail- ABSTRACT able from multiple sources and clearly showed that this species historically migrated upstream into tributaries of Upper Klamath Lake. Available information indicates that the distribution of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) extended to the Klamath Upper Basin as well. Coho salmon and anadromous lamprey (Lampetra tridentata) likely were distributed upstream at least to the vicinity of Spencer Creek. A population of anadro- mous sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) may have occurred historically above Iron Gate Dam. Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris), chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki), and eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) were restricted to the Klamath River well below Iron Gate Dam. This synthesis of available sources regarding the historical extent of these species’ upstream distribution provides key information necessary to guide management and habitat restoration efforts. Introduction John B. Hamilton Gary L. Curtis Gatschet’s statement is that salmon ascend the Klamath river twice a year, in June and again in autumn. This is in agreement with my information, that the run comes in the middlefinger Scott M. Snedaker month [sic], May–June, and that the large fish run in the fall...They ascend all the rivers David K.
    [Show full text]
  • Lost River Sucker 5-Year Status Review
    Lost River Sucker (Deltistes luxatus) 5-Year Review Summary and Evaluation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Klamath Falls Fish and Wildlife Office Klamath Falls, Oregon July 2007 5-YEAR REVIEW Lost River Sucker (Deltistes luxatus) TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION.......................................................................................... 1 1.1. Reviewers............................................................................................................................ 1 1.2. Methodology used to complete the review....................................................................... 1 1.3. Background ........................................................................................................................ 1 2.0 REVIEW ANALYSIS....................................................................................................... 2 2.1. Application of the 1996 Distinct Populations Segment (DPS) policy ............................ 2 2.2. Biology and Habitat ........................................................................................................... 3 2.3. Recovery Criteria............................................................................................................. 12 2.4. Five-Factor Analysis ........................................................................................................ 15 2.5. Synthesis............................................................................................................................ 29 3.0 RESULTS .......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • A Study to Determine the Feasibility of Establishing Salmon and Steelhead in the Upper Klamath Basin
    A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING SALMON AND STEELHEAD IN THE UPPER KLAMATH BASIN JOHN D. FORTUNE, JR. ARTHUR R. GERLACH C. J. HANEL A STUDY TO DETER?II:JE THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTAHLISHING SALMON AND SEELllEAD IX THE UPPER KLMTH BAS IN April, 1966 John D. Fortune, Jr. and Arthur R. Gerlach, Oregon State Game Conmission and C. J. fiancl, Pacific Power & Light Company STEERING COPiMITTEE MEMBERSHIP Robert Puckett Attorney at Law, Klamath Falls, Oregon Bruce B. Cannady Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife George 0. Black Bureau of Commercial Fisheries John E. Skinner California Department of Fish and Game T. Eugene Kruse Fish Commission of Oregon Charles J. Campbell Oregon Stare Game Commission J. A. R. Hamilton Pacific Parer L Light Company Tam OF CONTENTS PAGE INTRODlJCTI ON DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA Physical Climatology HISTORY OF KLANATH RIVER SALMON AND STEELHEAD Published Reports Archeological investigations County his tory Newspaper reports Biological investigations Miscellaneous reports Personal Interviews Fish Counts for Rlamath River LIFE HISTORY OF KLAMATH RIVER SALWON UD STEELHEAD Salmon Upstream migration Spawning Downstream migration Age at rnaturiry St eelhead ENVIRONMENTAL REOUIREMENTS OF SALMON AND STEELHEAD Temperature Dissolved Oxygen Water Velocity for Spawning Water Depth for Spawning Gravel Quality Migration Schedules SURVEY RESULTS AND EVALUATION Survey Ekrhods Lower Klamath River Iron Gate Reservoir Jenny Creek Copco No. 2 Dam Copco No. 1 Reservoir Shovel Creek Klamath River from Copco Reservoir to J. C. Doyle Dam J. C. Boyle Dam and Reservoir Spencer Creek Klamath River to Old Needle Dam at Keno Klamath River from Keno to Klamath Falls Link River Upper Klarnath Lake West Side Tributaries Fourmile Creek and Crane Creek Sevenmile Creek SURVEY RESULTS AND EVALUATION (cont .) lJood River Williamson River Spring Creek Sprague River to Lone Pine Sprague River from Lone Pine to the Forks South Fork of Sprague River North Fork of Sprague River Tributaries of Sprague River Sycan River Five Hile and Meryl.
    [Show full text]
  • Natural Flow of the Upper Klamath River
    Natural Flow of the Upper Klamath River U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation November 2005 Mission Statements The mission of the Department of the Interior is to protect and provide access to our Nation’s natural and cultural heritage and honor our trust responsibilities to Indian Tribes and our commitments to island communities. The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public. Cover photo by J. Rasmussen— McCornac Point Marsh Natural Flow of the Upper Klamath River—Phase I Natural inflow to, natural losses from, and natural outfall of Upper Klamath Lake to the Link River and the Klamath River at Keno prepared by Technical Service Center Water Resources Services Thomas Perry, Hydrologist Amy Lieb, Hydrologist Alan Harrison, Environmental Engineer Mark Spears, P.E., Hydraulic Engineer Ty Mull, Agricultural Engineer Concrete Dams and Waterways Elisabeth Cohen, P.E., Hydraulic Engineer Klamath Basin Area Office John Rasmussen, Hydrologist Jon Hicks, Water Conservation Specialist TSC Project Management Del Holz, Manager Joe Lyons, Assistant Manager prepared for U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Klamath Basin Area Office Klamath Falls, Oregon November 2005 Base map and study area. Preface This study was undertaken to estimate the effects of agricultural development on natural flows in the Upper Klamath River Basin. A large body of data was reviewed and analyzed to obtain the results included in this assessment of the natural hydrology of the Basin. Within this report, the term natural represents typical flows without agricultural development in the basin.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report
    ANNUAL REPORT FY 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents To Our Citizens ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 1 Financial Summary _______________________________________________________________________________________ 2 Community Development ________________________________________________________________________________ 5 Support Services ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12 Police ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15 Public Works ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 19 Airport __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 30 Contact Us _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 31 To Our Citizens It’s a privilege to serve the City of Klamath Falls as City Manager. I appreciate all the dedicated individuals who comprise our City staff. It is our opportunity to serve the citizens of Klamath Falls and help them build this great community. The past year has been full of work and struggles, but it also contains a bright future. In many ways, 2013 represented a year of change for the City of Klamath Falls. As a new City Manager, one of the first orders of business was to understand the top priorities of the City Council. The Council adopted 5 new focus areas. These include helping citizens feel safe and secure in
    [Show full text]
  • Upper Klamath Lake and the Section 106 Process: Undertakings, Areas of Potential Effect, and Federal Responsibility
    UPPER KLAMATH LAKE AND THE SECTION 106 PROCESS: UNDERTAKINGS, AREAS OF POTENTIAL EFFECT, AND FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITY KELLY KRITZER* I. INTRODUCTION Upper Klamath Lake1 has long sustained a population deeply intertwined with the natural rhythm of this rich resource. The lake and its surrounding environment provided food, raw materials, and spiritual sites for the people of the Klamath Tribes. Numerous villages, campsites, and burial areas once rimmed the shores of Upper Klamath Lake2 prior to the removal of the Klamath Tribes from the majority of these locations by the Treaty of 1864.3 Today these sites lie unprotected and exposed to negative impacts. Erosion from weather and wave action has subjected many of the historic properties to loss of vegetative ground cover and soil. Exposure of these sites has led to further negative impacts from vandals and looters, who canvas the lakeshore for artifacts. For example, exposure, primarily from a fluctuating lake level and wave action, of an important burial location along the eastern shore of Agency Lake resulted in serious degradation of that site.4 Site stabilization measures, such as the placement of soil-stabilizing riprap,5 has somewhat decreased the loss to this site.6 Yet the fluctuating lake level, one of the major factors that adversely affect historic properties along Upper Klamath Lake, continues to exacerbate erosion and exposure of this and other lakeshore sites. Historically, Upper Klamath Lake naturally fluctuated with the seasons, yet presently the lake level varies more to meet modern needs. Currently, Upper Klamath Lake is a highly regulated water-storage reservoir for two major projects.
    [Show full text]
  • Determination on Status of Releases from Upper Klmath Lake Through
    BEFORE THE OREGON WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT IN THE MATTER OF AN INVESTIGATION ) IN AID OF DISTRIBUTION PURSUANT ) DETERMINATION ON STATUS TO ORS 540.210 ) OF RELEASES FROM UPPER ) KLMATH LAKE THROUGH Klamath Irrigation District ) THE LINK RIVER DAM Petitioner, ) ) Bureau of Reclamation ) Reservoir Owner. ) I. AUTHORITIES On April 10, 2014, the Oregon Water Resources Department issued its Amended and Corrected Findings of Fact and Order of Determination (“ACFFOD”). The ACFFOD contains the Department’s findings and determinations as to claims filed in the Klamath Basin Adjudication and constitutes the final order of the Director. Since the order was entered in the Klamath County Circuit Court, and until a certified copy of the judgment order or decree of the court is transmitted to the Director, the division of water from streams involved in the adjudication “shall be made in accordance with the order of the director.”1 The Oregon Water Resources Commission has adopted rules to secure the equal and fair distribution of water in accordance with the rights of the various users. These rules, contained in Oregon Administrative Rules (“OAR”) Chapter 690 division 250, shall apply to all water rights that have been established under an order of the Water Resources Director in proceedings for the determination of relative rights to the use of water.2 According to the Commission’s rules, water distributed for irrigation is allocated according to the allowed instantaneous rate of diversion (measured in cubic feet per second or “cfs”) and is limited by the total volumetric duty (measured in acre-feet per acre or “AF”) that may be diverted during an irrigation season.3 The Commission’s rules also define “Legally Stored Water” as “[a]ny water impounded in a reservoir under the provisions of an established right to store water.” A “[r]eservoir” is a “[a] natural or artificial lake or pond in which water is collected for beneficial use or purpose.”4 The Commission’s rules governing the allocation of stored water state that: 1 ORS 539.170.
    [Show full text]
  • Link River Falls Fish Passage Investigation – Flow Velocity Simulation
    WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH LABORATORY TECHNICAL PAPER - 954 Link River Falls Fish Passage Investigation – Flow Velocity Simulation Water Resources Research Laboratory WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH LABORATORY TECHNICAL PAPER - 954 Link River Falls Fish Passage Investigation – Flow Velocity Simulation Water Resources Research Laboratory Brent Mefford, PE Jim Higgs February 2006 Acknowledgements The Klamath Basin Area Office and the Office of Science and Technology provided support for this study. Richard Piaskowski (KBAO) assisted in coordinating the study and provided the river bathymetry for the numerical model. Rudy Campbell (WRRL) provided assistance in developing the model geometry. Robert Einhelig provided peer review. Link River Falls Flow Velocity Simulation Background Link River is located within the city of Klamath Falls Oregon. The river runs for approximately one mile between Upper Klamath Lake and Lake Ewauna at the head of the Klamath River. Link River Dam controls Upper Klamath Lake elevation and releases to Link River. The river contains a number of natural falls where the river passes over basalt outcroppings. The falls are a series of cascading drops containing bedrock and large alluvial material (figure 1). The main cascade provides a drop of about 15 feet in elevation over a length of about 450 feet. Nearly 10 feet of the drop is concentrated in a single cascade that is about 100 feet long. The main cascade starts about 320 ft downstream of the dam (following the thalweg) with the steepest section starting about 500 feet downstream of the dam. The Klamath and Link Rivers are a natural migratory route for the endangered Lost River sucker and Shortnose sucker.
    [Show full text]