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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
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
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80
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/201
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/201
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/201
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2011
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/201
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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 © 2019
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
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70
80
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50
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80
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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
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 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
Silver CreekWatershed
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
70 F to 78 FStress Band
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
70 F to 78 FStress Band
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
70 F to 78 FStress Band
>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
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
44.9 F
69.6 F
56.4 FMedian
77.1 F
18 Days
44Days
45Days
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, 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
70 F to 78 FStress Band
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
70 F to 78 FStress Band
>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
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
44.9 F
69.6 F
56.4 FMedian
77.1 F
18 Days
44Days
45Days
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 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
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150
200
250
1975
1980
1990
2000
2010
2018
2015
2016
2017
2018
0
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80
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CFS
2014
Annual Average Flows in Silver Creek at Sportsmans Access (USGS gage)
0
50
100
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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
Wilson Ck. Loving 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
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 CreekGrove 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) 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
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
Lower Stalker Creek
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 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
15
Jul Aug Sep Oct
Dis
solv
ed O
xyge
n (M
g/L)
DO 7 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
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