North Platte River Fish Survey Casper to the Nebraska State Line

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North Platte River Fish Survey - March 1999 Page 4 Macrohabitat was also noted for each sample reach using descriptors adapted from Platania (1993) and is summarized below. Primary Habitat Main channel The section of the river which carries the majority of the flow where the thalweg is located; there can be only one main channel. Secondary channel All channels not designated as the main channel may carry appreciable flow or be low velocity habitat; there can be none or several secondary channels at a site. Backwater A body of water connected to the main or a secondary channel, with no appreciable flow, often created by a drop in flow which partially isolates a former secondary channel. Large woody debris Instream structure such as fallen trees, rootwads. Island An area of land surrounded by water. Secondary Habitat Flats A region of relatively uniform depth, moderate velocity, and sand substrate; a flat is determined by the character of the substrate and recognized by the small standing waves it creates. Rapids A relatively deep and fast velocity reach characterized by very turbulent water. Methods 0 inches rrim Large boulders 80-40 4096 -2048 Medium boulders 40 -20 2048 -1024 Small boulders 20 -10 512 -256 Large cobbles 10 -5 256 -128 Small cobbles 5 -2.5 128-64 Coarse gravel 2.5 -0.6 64 -16 Fine gravel 0.6 -0.01 16-4 Sand Silt Clay Page 4 Macrohabitat was also noted for each sample reach using descriptors adapted from Platania (1993) and is summarized below. Primary Habitat Main channel The section of the river which carries the majority of the flow where the thalweg is located; there can be only one main channel. Secondary channel All channels not designated as the main channel may carry appreciable flow or be low velocity habitat; there can be none or several secondary channels at a site. Backwater A body of water connected to the main or a secondary channel, with no appreciable flow, often created by a drop in flow which partially isolates a former secondary channel. Large woody debris Instream structure such as fallen trees, rootwads. Island An area of land surrounded by water. Secondary Habitat Flats A region of relatively uniform depth, moderate velocity, and sand substrate; a flat is determined by the character of the substrate and recognized by the small standing waves it creates. Rapids A relatively deep and fast velocity reach characterized by very turbulent water. Methods 0