9592

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9592
• Author: Mueller, G. A., J. Carpenter and P. C. Marsh.
• Title: Cibola High Levee Pond Annual Report 2004.
• USFW Year: 2004.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

Water Temperature - CHLP experienced an unusually wann March in 2004. Surface water
temperatures reached 18.C nearly 3 weeks earlier compared to the two previous years (Figure 2).
Bonytail have spawned in past years when surface temperatures reached 18.C. They did again
this year, nearly a month earlier.

Surface temperatures ranged between 12 and 34.C, reaching the highest temperatures in July
(Figure 3). The coolest temperature during that month was 30.8.C. Minimum water
temperatures by the end of July exceeded 30.C at all depths. Daily temperatures fluctuated
2-3'C between day and night cycles, reaching highs in mid-afternoon and lows near dawn. The
combination of water influx from the river and the diel temperature cycle may help prevent
strong thermal or chemical stratification from developing.

1-+-2002 -- 2003 -- 20041

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-+- Jan-27
__ Feb-24
__Mar-10
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__ May-4
-+-May-19
-+- Jun-23
- Jul-27

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Depth (m)

Figure 2. Surface water temperatures
taken at Cibola High Levee Pond
during 2002, 2003 and 2004 (February
through April).

Figure 3. Water column temperatures
taken at 0.5 m intervals at Cibola
High Levee Pond spawning period
during 2004.

Dissolved Oxygen - Dissolved oxygen levels at CHLP stayed remarkably high during summer
months. More than 95% ofthe pond's volume maintained levels over 6 mg/L (Figure 4). We
did not find any evidence of anoxic conditions. The lowest concentration was 3 mg/L; this is
more than sufficient to support fish.

..

Oxygenation is influenced by a combination of factors, possibly the most important stemming
from the pond's hydraulic connection with the river. Low conductances at greater depths
suggest that groundwater upwelling provides circulation that helps prevent stagnation. Another
contributing factor may be the diel temperature fluctuation (2-30C) that may partially disrupt
stratification. This high level of oxygenation undoubtedly contributes to the pond's high level of
productivity.

3