Water Stewardship Information Sources
| ID | 2309 |
|---|---|
| Citation | Macdonald, J.S., Morrison, J, Patterson, D.A., Heinonen, J., and Foreman, M. 2007. Examination of factors influencing Nechako River discharge, temperature, and aquatic habitats. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2773: vii + 32 p. |
| Organization | Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Simon Fraser University; Vynx Design Inc. |
| URL | http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/331524.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | This report assesses temperature and flow management options in the upper and lower Nechako system with reference to the needs of resident and migratory fish species. The efficacy of an existing management scheme is considered as are the possible benefits of developing cold water release capabilities at the Kenney Dam as a means to broaden water management options. If summer temperature targets at Finmoore can be achieved while altering water release timing and volume, the broad interests of many stakeholder groups may be met without forgoing the current temperature benefits to salmon throughout the Nechako basin resulting from the current flow regime. The goals of this manuscript can be summarized as follows: 1. To assess the success of the existing water management scheme in terms of moderating high summer water temperatures in the Nechako upstream of the Stuart confluence. 2. To consider the effects of the existing management scheme on temperatures in the Nechako downstream of the Stuart confluence and to assess the overall effect on sockeye salmon that migrate through the Nechako upstream and downstream of the Stuart confluence. 3. To introduce a model that examines the downstream consequences of possible future release scenarios if a Kenney Dam release facility were constructed. While proposed water release facilities at Kenney Dam may have many positive environmental benefits there is a proven temperature management efficacy to maintaining the release of large volumes of water during the summer period when salmon are in the vicinity. Current temperature targets at Finmoore can be achieved with the release of smaller amounts of cooler water from Kenney Dam but may result in warmer conditions in the lower Nechako and cooler conditions in the upper Nechako compared to conditions under the current temperature management regime. Changes to the existing management protocol must be made with caution and should consider a broad range of environmental and operational factors. |
| Information Type | Report |
| Regional Watershed | Nechako River |
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