WSP12345

• File Number: 8240.200.10.B
• Description: UCRBRIP Annual Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/12/1995
• Author: UCRBRIP
• Title: 1994 Annual Reports Package Part 2
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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3.1 RIVER HYDROLOGY

Flow release data from Flaming Gorge Dam were provided. by Bureau or Rtdamation, Salt l.Bke Qty Office.
Flows and water temperature for the Green River within the study area were measured by the V.S Geological
SlllVey (USGS) stream gage localed neaf Jensen, UT (station (9261000). Data from this gage for waler year
1994 are provisional. Air temperatures were recorded at the National Oceank and Annospheric
Administration (NOAA) weather station located in Jensen, UT. Historic flow and temperature.- data were
sllltllllarized from USGS data compiled in the GeoSelect'" Colorado River Database. This database is in CD-
ROM fonnal and is produced by Hydrosphere Data ProductS, Ine.

3.2 BACKWATER MAPPING

Backwaters were $Clected in each reach based on size and depth. formation classificatioll (le. chute channel,
scour channel, and eddy return channel) and access during winter months. Only backwaters which met the
Interagency Standardized Monitoring Program (lSMP) minimum requirements for a snitJlble hackwater
(surface .area of at leasl 30 m' and maximum depth of al least 1.0 ft) were seli'eted Efforts were made to
select backwaters within each reach that represented different depths and formation classifications.
Coosideration was also given to accessibility of backwalers during winler months when ice cover prevented
open water boal !raveL

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For each selected hackwater, shoreline was DUlpped and depth isopleths recorded. The Iboreline was mapped
on 17 x 22-in paper using a plane table and an alidade. Prominent featu= (trees, logs and rocks) and
principal substrate types (as bOu1det. cobble, gravel, sand and sUt) were induded on the map. ConlOUT
isopleths were developed by measuring water depllt (in fecI) along 5 - 7 = across lite backwater (depths
were recorded in fecI becluse ills aloslstent with existing lSMP backwater sampling protoall). Each =p was
uansferred to AUIOCADN. a almpuler-aided design package. These habilJl.t maps were reduo:d and printed
on 8112x 11-in paper for use as base maps for winter measurements. Sur!lIce area ofbackwalCtS (in m6) were
calculated from lItese maps.

3.3 WINTER HABITAT MEASUREMENTS

The amounl of winter habilJl.t was determined by measuring and mapping lite p~fcal and cltemical
characteristics of a backwater. Physical characteristics included changes in shoreline, depth or free wate.r and
.thickness ot surface and trazil ice. Chemical characteristlcs indwled water quality parameters such as
temperature and dissolved oxygen.

3.3.1 Ph",I",,1 Habitat

Pbysical habitat was quantified (in m') by recordin. sborcliDe alntiguralion. depllt of free water, thickness of
ice alver and currenl velOCity 00 Ihe 8 III x !l.in base maps. Shoreline alntiguration and extenl of open
water were Sketched onto the base maps. Depllt or tree waler. thickness of surface and fraziI ice were
measured in reel (:0.05 ft) willt a staff gage after d1ilIi.o. holes through lite ice. Holes were made using an
ice chisel, or a StrikemaslerN 49 cc gas powered ice aUJef with an 3-in blade Water velOCity-as in the case
oC a backwaler becoming a now through channel-was _ured using a Marsh-McBimey current meter.

3.3.2 Cheml""l Habitat

Chemical characteristics of backwalelS were measured usiA, a Hy<1rolab SUlVeyor 2. The Hydrolab measured
water temperature (: O.OloC). dissolved oxygen (milt). alaductivity (pSlcm) and Pb. MeasurelDeDls were
taken in the mainclt.annel adjacent to tlle habitat lIten alan. Ute deepest portion of lite backwater begillning
at the moullt and working loward lite back. Typically rour to six measurements were taken within a backwaler
wben free waler occurred.

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