The Ecological Significance of High Flows on Alluvial Rivers
Summary: Hydrology and Biology for Environmental Flow Requirements
Course ID: HYD-401
Status: OPEN
Date(s): Nov 14, 2012: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Nov 15, 2012: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: TBD
Portland, OR
Instructor: Alan Wald
Tuition: $595 / $545*
$545 / $495* (before Sep 28, 2012)
Description:
This dynamic and hands-on course provides an introduction to the science of flood dynamics and why they are important to stream and river ecology. High flows flush organic matter from the channel, maintain channel geometry by transporting sediment, form new channels by geomorphic processes, and provide essential conditions for fish migration and spawning.
Over the course of this two-day workshop, attendees will learn methods for developing specific high flow recommendations based on streamflow frequency, magnitude, duration, and seasonality, and discuss how these flows vary with different hydrologic regimes and flow influences such as water storage reservoirs, hydroelectric dams, municipal appropriations, and other water uses. Day 1 will be spent in the classroom, and Day 2 will be spent in the field.
The field day will include a close-up review of stream habitat improvement projects under construction by the Snohomish PUD on the Sultan River. A portion of the field day will be indoors at the PUD facility, reviewing the overall project area and history. The remaining time will be spent visiting habitat projects that are using natural materials to complement restoration of high flows. Attendees will visit three geomorphic reaches on the river and discuss recommendations for fish habitat restoration based on channel and riparian conditions. These projects are excellent examples of the ecological significance of restoring high flows on salmon and steelhead rivers.
Environmental professionals must understand High Flows because regulatory agencies, public utilities, water users, fish and wildlife groups, and others develop environmental flow requirements to protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat in streams and rivers. Recent advances in instream flow science document the importance of protecting and restoring high flows in setting environmental flow requirements. Attendees will gain valuable insights on the analysis, regulation, and importance of high flow hydrology.
The material is designed to be accessible to those new to the field and also to enhance the knowledge of experienced planners, engineers and biologists.
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
-Review proposals for instream flow recommendations that include high flow components
-Discuss and present alternatives for high flow recommendations based on stream or river system characteristics
-Participate in interdisciplinary analyses of high flows
-Understand how to develop recommendations for preserving or restoring high flows based on magnitude, duration, and frequency criteria.
The Ecological Significance of High Flows on Alluvial Rivers