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The discussion of the physical parameters for the North <br />Fork of the Gunnison River consist of a description of the <br />• following morphological characteristics: average width, <br />average depth, substrate composition, type of riparian <br />vegetation, stability of banks, flow classification (i.e., <br />pool/riffle), and pool quality. Physical characteristics as <br />they relate to biotic communities are discussed within <br />appropriate sections. <br />Information regarding chemical parameters is presented <br />for each of the drainage areas. Water samples for general <br />chemical analysis were collected quarterly at all 12 aquatic <br />sampling stations. Water samples were analyzed for the <br />following parameters: turbidity, suspended solids, total <br />dissolved solids, specific conductance, calcium, magnesium, <br />sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfate. Temperature, pH, <br />dissolved oxygen, and alkalinity measurements were also <br />made. <br />Information regarding habitat and seasonal abundance <br />and distribution of biological parameters is presented only <br />for the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Each parameter, <br />plankton, periphyton, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fishes <br />is discussed separately as it applies. <br />Physical Parameters <br />• North fork of the Gunnison River <br />The North Fork of the Gunnison River begins at the <br />confluence of Anthracite and Muddy Creeks approximately five <br />miles upstream from the Mt. Gunnison No. 1 Mine study area. <br />The river flows from east to west along the northern pro- <br />perty boundary through a deeply incised canyon. <br />Changes in flow greatly alter the characteristics of a <br />stream such as the North Fork of the Gunnison River. At <br />moderately low flows, the North Fork of the Gunnison River <br />flows as a series of relatively shallow fast-moving areas <br />(riffles) and deeper slow-moving areas (pools). At these <br />flows, pool habitat accounts for approximately 20 to 30 per- <br />cent of the total stream channel. Few or no undercut banks <br />occur on the North Fork, and pools are usually located on <br />the downstream side of the large boulders. At higher flows, <br />the North Fork flows continuously, swift, deep water. Under <br />these conditions pool habitat is very limited. <br />Although no irrigation diversions occur within the <br />studied segment of the North Fork, three diversions occur <br />downstream between Somerset and Paonia, Colorado. The USGS <br />• <br />2.04-67 <br />