Author(s): Rohan Benjankar; Daniele Tonina

Linked Author(s): Rohan Benjankar, Daniele Tonina

Keywords: Residual Pool Habitat Chinook salmon Channel topography Pool area and frequency

Abstract: Human alteration of flows in streams and rivers may have cascade effects on channel topography, morphology and aquatic habitats. High quality habitat exists in river reaches with high physical diversity such as pools, riffles, and main channel connection with side/off-channels during high flow events. Hydrologic differences between pools and other parts of river system (e. g., riffle, run, etc. ) contribute to heterogeneity in habitat quantity and quality specifically during low flow periods. Therefore, pool geometry and frequency may play an important role for pacific salmonid habitats. We analyzed residual pool frequency and areas based on channel topography in two river systems, Lemhi River and Bear Valley Creek located in the state of Idaho, USA. Both of these systems are important habitat for Chinook salmon. Our results showed Bear Valley Creek has higher residual pool frequency and area (per kilometer of reach) than for the Lemhi River resulting better habitat in the Bear Valley Creek for juvenile Chinook salmon. Our analyses may have important implications in river restoration focusing on Chinook salmon habitat.

DOI:

Year: 2025