2018 silver creek annual report silver... · midnight midnight midnight midnight midday midday...

Ecosystem Sciences Foundation

2018

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


45 F

55 F

65 F

75 F

85 F

78 F

70 F


>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

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11

3/21

/201

2

4/13

/201

2

5/9/

2012

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2012

10/2

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12

0

20

40

60

80

8/9/

2011

8/15

/201

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/201

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/201

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5/9/

2012

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0

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8/9/

2011

8/15

/201

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/201

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5/9/

2012

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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

2018 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 2018

2-3Water Year - 2018A look into the winter snow pack and

water year of 2018

10–13Water QualityDissolved oxygen measurements,

results and discussion

14–15Sediment and SiltA discussion of stream sediment cross

section surveys on Lower Silver Creek

16–17Next StepsAdditional areas of study, and a call

for funding next years program

8–9Stream HydrologyStreamflows in Silver Creek with

comparison from 2011 to 2018

Contents

1

2018 Report


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 and improve

our understanding of the Silver Creek

system, ESF began its monitoring program

in 2010. This past year, ESF and its

partners continued to gather critical data

on stream flows, temperature, sediment

and dissolved oxygen. In addition,

ESF conducted statistical analyses

of temperature and dissolved oxygen

monitoring results.

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 2018 are:

• After the historic water year of 2017,

Silver Creek flows returned to close

to average discharge within the

system. The 2018 snowpack, run-off

and groundwater levels were close to

normal.

• With some exceptions, temperatures

in the Silver Creek system were similar

when compared to the last several

years. Several areas saw temperatures

above the stressful limit for fish for

prolonged periods.

• Dissolved oxygen (DO) monitoring

indicated that in some areas of Silver

Creek, concentrations have 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, DO levels rise rapidly.

Cold tributary creeks like Grove, and Upper

Loving Creek maintained higher DO levels

than Butte Creek and Lower Silver Creek.

• Sediment monitoring indicate notable

changes in the distribution and movement

of sediment at selected cross-channel

transects.

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 2017-18 featured

snow pack levels slightly above the

most recent 30 year average. In April

2018, snow water equivalent (SWE)

levels within the Big Wood Basin

were measured at 99% of the median

measured 1981-2010. We calculate

the total streamflow volume for the Big

Wood River at Hailey (USGS gauge

#13139510) to be 121% above the

median from streamflow measured from

1981-2010. This is good news for the

Silver Creek system that relies almost

entirely on groundwater levels within

the Wood River Valley Aquifer 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 for

consistent flow. In 2018, monitoring

within Silver Creek’s tributaries showed

a moderate increase in spring and

stream flows. Additionally, none of the

springs dried up mid-summer, which has

been documented in 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 2018 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 some monitoring years. These

benefits underscore the importance of

groundwater as the ecological driver of

the Silver Creek ecosystem.

Winter SnowWater Year

April 1, 2018Idaho 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 Rive

r

Big WoodWatershed

Area


Area

Snowpack conditions, forecast streamflow runoff and groundwater flows were average in 2018.

Major Silver Creek water inflows or sources:

1) Groundwater inflows, Wood River Valley2) Irrigation diversions from the Big Wood River

3) Precipitation and Snowmelt

3

April 1, 2018Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report

In 2018, the Big Wood basin received average precipitation between Oct 1 and April 1.

Big Wood River stream flows (measured in acre-feet) for 2018 as compared to the most recent 30 year mean (1981-2010).

Big Wood Basin

99%of mediansnowpack

Big Wood Basin

91%of average

precipitation

Streamflows up to

121%of average

Stre

amflo

w V

olum

e (a

cre-

feet

)

Big Wood River at Hailey

Stream Discharge 2018 Stream Discharge 1981-2010

2018

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

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 agricultural use. This helped to maintain

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

relatively normal at most locations, when

compared to temperatures measured from

2013-2016. These stream temperatures

illustrate the connection between the

near-normal water-year, and carry-over

from 2017, which led to a slight increase

For the 13 spring head loggers, median

temperatures were near 49.7°F throughout

the summer of 2018. As opposed to

a few previous years, no springheads

dried up during mid-summer. The record

2016-17 water year partially carried over

to the 2017-2018 water year, increasing

groundwater levels and allowing for both a

longer durations of high springhead flows

and reduced extraction of groundwater for

Summer Stream Temperatures: The graph above indicates the maximum, average and minimum summer stream temperatures on selected areas of Silver Creek over a six-year period (2011-2017). This year, 43 stream temperature loggers and 13 springhead loggers were monitored throughout Silver Creek and its tributaries to record critical information and track changes in the system.

In 2018, 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. These springs provide consistent,

cool water to Silver Creek’s tributaries

that can mitigate against changes in air

temperature and climatic conditions.

Hayspur Rd.

Gannett Road

45 F

50 F

55 F

70 F

Cain CrkSpring Head


49.4 F

52.4 F

W. ForkChaney

Spring Head

49.2 F 49.6 F

52.8 F

N. ForkChaney

Spring Head

Mud CrkSpring Head

49.1 F49.6 F

N. ForkGrove Crk

Spring Head

50.1 F49.4 F

51 F

Wilson CrkSpring Head

E. ForkGrove Crk

Spring Head#1

47.6 F

E. ForkGrove Crk

Spring Head#2

48.3 F

50.3 F51.2 F

50.3 F

E. ForkGrove Crk

Spring Head#3

ThompsonSpring Head

47.8 F

49.9 F

N. ForkLoving Crk

Spring Head#1

55.3 F

N. ForkLoving Crk

Spring Head#2

52.8 F

45 F

50 F

55 F

49.7 FAvg.

50.1 F48.6 F

49.7 FAvg.

49.4 F

60 F

49.4 F 49.1 F48.9 F49.1 F

50.1 F50.3 F

48.2 F

51.3 F

60 F

50.5 F50.6 F

49.6 F

47.6 F

48.7 F

49.9 FMedian Median

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 Creek2018 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

Spring Head 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, 2018. 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

in the duration and quantity of groundwater.

The most notable decrease in temperature

was measured in Chaney Creek, which

the remained below the stress band (70°F)

for trout throughout the monitoring period

in 2017 and 2018; average temperatures

decreased by 2-4°F and maximum

temperatures decreased by 4-10°F from

those measured previously. In contrast,

water temperatures in both Stalker and

Cain Creek increased, by about 3°F and

1°F respectively, as compared to previous

monitoring years.

A possible explanation for this increase

in stream temperature 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 2018, there was shallower, warmer

groundwater entering the stream, leading to

higher temperatures.

45 F

55 F

65 F

75 F

85 F

78 F

70 F

55.9 FMedian

32 Days


47.1 F

74.4 F

62.4 FMedian

41.4 F

71.5 F

57.9 FMedian

67.1 F

54.3 FMedian

>78 FThreshold

43.8 F

55.6 FMedian

28Days

68.8 F

48.5 F

71.9 F

62.1 FMedian

18Days

52.4 FMedian

58.5 F

54.3 FMedian

67.1 F

43.1 F

72.2 F

56.8 FMedian

24Days

44 F

69.4 F

55.8 FMedian

47.8 F

42.4 F

75.7 F

60.2 FMedian

46.2 F

70.7 F

57.7 F Median

6Days

46.9 F

71.0 F

61.0 FMedian

11Days

46.2 F

70.8 F

58.1 F Median

9Days

48 F

67.7 F

60.2 FMedian

49.8 F

77.7 F

63.9 F Median

57Days

50.3 F

65.6 F Median

45 F

55 F

65 F

75 F

85 F

78 F

70 F


>78 FThreshold

45.5 F45.1 F46.4 F

77.9 F

60.5 FMedian

43.1 F

72.7 F

41.3 F

76.7 F

57.5 FMedian

54Days

UpperStalker

LowerCain

UpperChaney

LowerChaney



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


44.9 F

69.6 F

56.4 FMedian

77.1 F

18 Days

44Days

45Days

Grove Ck.

Lower Silver Ck.

Mud Ck.

Stalker 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


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, 2018. Each graph displays the total temperature range for the 2018 season; the absolute high and low temperatures are given, and the median stream temperature is shown for that particular stream.

2018 Stream Temperatures Summary

45 F

55 F

65 F

75 F

85 F

78 F

70 F

55.9 FMedian

32 Days


47.1 F

74.4 F

62.4 FMedian

41.4 F

71.5 F

57.9 FMedian

67.1 F

54.3 FMedian

>78 FThreshold

43.8 F

55.6 FMedian

28Days

68.8 F

48.5 F

71.9 F

62.1 FMedian

18Days

52.4 FMedian

58.5 F

54.3 FMedian

67.1 F

43.1 F

72.2 F

56.8 FMedian

24Days

44 F

69.4 F

55.8 FMedian

47.8 F

42.4 F

75.7 F

60.2 FMedian

46.2 F

70.7 F

57.7 F Median

6Days

46.9 F

71.0 F

61.0 FMedian

11Days

46.2 F

70.8 F

58.1 F Median

9Days

48 F

67.7 F

60.2 FMedian

49.8 F

77.7 F

63.9 F Median

57Days

50.3 F

65.6 F Median

45 F

55 F

65 F

75 F

85 F

78 F

70 F


>78 FThreshold

45.5 F45.1 F46.4 F

77.9 F

60.5 FMedian

43.1 F

72.7 F

41.3 F

76.7 F

57.5 FMedian

54Days

UpperStalker

LowerCain

UpperChaney

LowerChaney



Wilson Crk.@ Hwy 20

LowerThompson

LowerGrove

North Fk.Loving Crk

UpperLoving Crk

LowerLoving Crk

Silver CrkS Turns


Silver CrkSusieQ

Silver Creek@ Hwy 93Mid Mud Lower Mud


44.9 F

69.6 F

56.4 FMedian

77.1 F

18 Days

44Days

45Days

Grove Ck.

Lower Silver Ck.

Mud Ck.

Stalker 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 is 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 Lower Silver Creek all had median temperatures above 60°F. Additionally, the number of days that temperatures were within the stress band for trout (70°F-78°F) increased compared to measurements taken in 2017; 12 sites having multiple days within the stress band. In 2018, there were no sites 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

2014

Annual Average Flows in Silver Creek at Sportsmans Access (USGS gage)

0

50

100

150

200

250

1975

1980

1990

2000

2010

2018

2015

2016

2017

2018

0

20 40 60

80

100

120

140

160

CFS

2014

Annual Average Flows in Silver Creek at Sportsmans Access (USGS gage)

0

50

100

150

200

250

1975

1980

1990

2000

2010

2018

2015

2016

2017

2018

8

Annual average streamflows (cfs) at USGS gage (Sportsmans Access) 1975 - 2018.

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 2018 was above average and

flows were above the 30-year average.

Silver Creek’s tributaries varied slightly but

in general were similar to average flows

recorded since monitoring began in 2011.

It was an above average water year for

Silver Creek and its tributaries. Similarly,

the Big Wood River had an above average

annual discharge in 2018.

Big Wood River Average Annual

Discharge at Hailey gage (cfs):

2014 309.7

2015 311.5

2016 406.4

2017 1,003.0

2018 478.6

The 2018 water year resulted in above-

average flows in the Big Wood River, Silver

Creek, and its tributaries. These systems

are connected by a common groundwater

system that is dynamic and complex.

Silver Creek annual average streamflows (cfs) at USGS gage (Sportsmans Access) 1975 - 2018.

Stalker Creek4 cfs

Chaney Creek

Mud Creek

Grove Creek

Loving Creek

Sullivan Pond2 cfs

Grove Creek 53 cfs

WilsonCreek

CainCreek

Chaney Creek17 cfs

Stalker Creek

Sullivan Pond

45%

4%

2%

Chaney Creek

14%

Mud Creek

14%

Loving Creek

27%

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 Creek31 cfs

Mud Creek16 cfs

Flow: 121 CFS

0

20

40

60

80

Stalker

CFS

2012 2018

Chaney

2012 2018

Mud Grove Loving

Grove Creek

2012 2018 2012 2018 2012 2018

9

Annual average streamflows by creek for 2012-2018. Data collected from 2012 - 2018 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 2018 indicates each creek’s cfs and percent contribution of Silver Creek’s flow.

2018 Streamflows

Grove Ck.

Lower Silver Ck.

Mud Ck.

Stalker Ck


Cain Ck.

Chaney Ck.

Upper Silver Creek

Lower Silver Ck.

Lower StalkerCreek

HWY 20 - 26

Price Lane

10

Water QualitySince 2016, dissolved oxygen (DO) has

been measured continuously from June

through October at 6 sites. In 2017 and

2018, additional sensors were deployed

and placed in various sites. Data was

recorded using optical sensors that record

DO and temperature values every 15

minutes.

Similar to past 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,

oxygen is produced. This process 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) that 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

sensor placed at Grove Creek is near to

the Butte Creek sensor location. Despite

their 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 the selected sites, 11% of all DO

measurements were between stressful

to lethal levels for fish and their eggs (1st

quartile at Butte: 5.7mg/L; Lower Loving

Creek: 6.5mg/L). The seasonal graphs on

the following pages present all data points

taken during the 2018 season.

Dissolved Oxygen

0 0

5 5

10 10

15 15

Dis

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Midnight Midnight Midnight MidnightMidday Midday

Optimal

Stressful

Lethal

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10

5

0

Butte CreekGrove Creek

Grove Ck.

Lower Silver Ck.

Mud Ck.

Stalker 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) for two sites over the period of one day. In Butte Creek, DO ranged from a low of around 2.6 mg/L to a high 14.8 mg/L, with a median of 7.7 mg/L. This large daily fluctuation in DO is significant and points to a productive biological engine in the aquatic ecosystem. Compare this with Grove Creek (low of 6.3 mg/L to a high 12.2 mg/L, with a median of 8.5 mg/L) and the contrast in the daily fluctuation is very noticeable. Grove Creek and Butte are part of the Silver Creek system, and are near each other, but have contrasting DO patterns illustrating the difference in biological conditions between creeks.

Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring Locations. This map displays the location of dissolved oxygen (DO) continuous monitoring sites for 2018. 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

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10

15

Jul Aug Sep Oct

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DO 4 Grove Creek

0

5

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Jul Aug Sep Oct

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DO 6 Chaney Creek Pond

Lower Stalker Creek

Grove Creek

Dis

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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

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0

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Jul Aug Sep Oct

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DO 2 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

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Jul Aug Sep Oct

Dis

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DO 7 Butte Creek

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Jul Aug Sep Oct

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DO 5 Lower Silver Creek at Trestle

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Jul Aug Sep Oct

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DO 3 Lower Loving Creek

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DO 1 Sussie Q Lower Silver Creek

Lower Loving Creek Susie Q

Butte Creek Lower Silver Creek at Trestle

13

14

Stream Sediment

“Legacy” sediments were deposited

during the earlier years of intensive

livestock grazing when stream banks were

trampled and riparian vegetation was

removed. It was during these years that the

greatest amounts of sediment accumulated

in the streams. In time, grazing and

farming practices have improved and the

volume of sediment entering the streams

has diminished.

However, new sediment enters

the streams each year as overland

runoff during spring rain and snowmelt

and windborne deposits. In order

to characterize sediment conditions

throughout the watershed, we established

60 cross channel transects in Silver Creek

and all its tributaries.

To determine if sediment is being

exported, accumulating or simply in

balance from one year to the next, we

measure changes at selected transects.

In 2018, sediment monitoring occurred

at five sites on Silver Creek, starting at

the Preserve and moving downstream.

At each location, the depth and extent

of sediment in the stream channel was

surveyed. The focus on revisiting locations

within Lower Silver Creek is twofold: 1) to

monitor sediment post implementation of

the Kilpatrick Pond Restoration Project and

2) to monitor post project performance of

Kilpatrick pond near Double RR ranch.

Monitoring shows that while some

sediment was re-deposited, many locations

have significantly less sediment than was

present before dredging was performed.

Average Sediment Accumulated by Stream In 2011, sediment area was measured at 60 cross sections to estimate each stream’s condition. Transects were averaged for each creek to categorize streams into high, medium and low. For example, the average area of sediments for all transects on Lower Silver is 33.4 square feet (sq. ft.).

33.4sq. ft.Lower Silver High

25.6 sq. ft.Loving High

22.2 sq. ft.Stalker High

17.5 sq. ft.Thompson Moderate

14.1 sq. ft.Upper Silver Moderate

13.6 sq. ft.Chaney Moderate

14.7 sq. ft.Mud Moderate

4.7 sq. ft.Grove

0.8 sq. ft.Cain

0.3 sq. ft.Wilson

Low

15Cross Channel Sediment Transect Comparison The graphic above depicts a cross-channel view of transect #68 on the TNC Preserve just upstream from Kilpatrick bridge. The site was surveyed in 2016 and 2018. It demonstrates a decrease of approximately 55 sq. ft. of sediment at this stream channel cross-section. This change is a result of sediment movement and export within the reach.

Cross Channel Sediment Transects - Lower SIlver Creek, 2018 The aerial image below depicts the location of cross-channel sediment transects on Lower Silver Creek that were surveyed in 2018. The TNC Preserve is on the far left and proceeds downstream to Kilpatrick bridge and pond and then to the RR Ranch. The work utilized precision drone flight for high quality imagery and topography. The drone capture images 225’ above ground level (AGL) with 0.7 inch per pixel resolution and utilizes post process imaging with ground control points from GPS to produce high quality orthomosaic photos and underwater topography. (Data and imagery in cooperation with N. Schutte Consulting).

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 2019. 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 2019. 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.

16

Monitoring and MaintenanceOver the past 8 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 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

17

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

2018

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