9385 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

METHODS Information in this report came from reviews of the fisheries literature (by J. Hawkins) and the hydrology and geomorphology literature (by J. O'Brien) of the Little Snake River. These reviews provide an overview of the river ecosystem. The hydrology and fisheries information is summarized in context of each of the five RIPRAP actions (program elements). For each program element we identify existing knowledge (What do we already know?) and missing information that is necessary to support future management decisions (What do we need to know?). These deficiencies identify key questions that must be answered to recover the endangered fishes. As directed by the Recovery Program, we conclude with a step-down outline for a work plan for determining instream flow recommendations. The hydrology review was a compilation of available water resources information and data. No new data or analyses were developed in this study. Included in this synthesis of information is a discussion of historic streamflow, sediment loads and channel morphology of the Little Snake River in Colorado. The literature was divided into two categories: the water and related land resources of the river basin and physical processes which effect channel morphology and habitat. A brief discussion of the Little Snake River Basin water and related land resources is presented and physical processes shaping the river morphology and fish habitat are discussed. In addition to the review of available information, two hydrology field trips were conducted to the Little Snake River. The first trip in the spring of 1994 was a reconnaissance trip. The second trip was a channel monitoring trip establishing cross sections in two reaches of the river. The first reach was located upstream of the Lily Gage where six cross sections were established. The second reach was upstream of the Powder Wash road where eight cross sections were 3