7081

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7081
• Author: Chart, T. E.
• Title: Initial Effect of Impoundment on the Fish Community of the White River, Colorado.
• USFW Year: 1987.
• USFW - Doc Type: Colorado State University,
• Copyright Material: NO

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ABSTRACT OF THESIS
THE INITIAL EFFECT OF IMPOUNDMENT ON THE FISH COMUNITY
OF THE MHITE RIYER, COLORADO
In October, 1984 Taylor Draw Dam and Kenney Reservoir were
completed on the White River of Colorado. From June, 1983 to
September, 1985, turbidities, flow and thermal regimes, the fish
community and net movements of the native flannelmouth sucker
`~ (Catostomus latioinnis) were monitored to determine the impact of
impoundment on these physical and ecological parameters. Prior to
impoundment native species accounted for more than 80% of all fish
collected. Fish species diversity was highly correlated with percent
habitat types and indirectly correlated to sinuosity. Movements of
~~ flannelmouth suckers, appeared random prior to completion of the dam
with individuals between 300 and 400mm moving significantly more than
other size classes. Taylor Draw Dam had little effect on natural flow
;_ patterns of the White River, however, summer maximum temperatures were
decreased 2 to 3C, winter minimum temperatures were increased and a
~- period of diurnal thermal constancy developed during the late summer
months. Turbidity also decreased as the river passed through the
reservoir. These altered physical conditions and the introduction of
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