WORKING PAPER NO.
COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN PROJECT
For Water Supply and Water Quality Management
| SUMMARY REPORT
WATER QUALITY STUDIES
BROWNLEE RESERVOIR - SNAKE RIVER
Prepared by ENK/RJC
Reviewed by JLA
Approved by
DISTRIBUTION
Project Staff
Cooperating Agencies?
General
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE
Public Health Service
Region IX
Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control
570 Pittock Block
Portland 5, Oregon
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This working paper contains preliminary data and information
primarily intended for internal use by the Columbia River
Basin Project staff and cooperating agencies. The material
presented in this paper has not been fully evaluated and
should not be considered as final.
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SUMMARY REPORT ON THE BROWNLEE RESERVOIR SURVEYS
Purpose
On August 30, 1961, the Portland, Oregon, office of the Public
Health Service, Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control,
conducted a limnological survey of Brownlee Reservoir on the Snake
River. This survey was initialed on the basis of the results of
a limited amount of data collected by a number, of agencies with
responsibilities in this area. There was serious concern evidenced
as to the water quality of Brownlee Reservoir and its affects on
fish and aquatic resources in these waters. The results of our in-
itial survey indicated oxygen depletion in portions of the reser-
voir, and that further follow-up surveys were needed to properly
evaluate the extent of the problem. A second, and to date, last,
in the series of limnological surveys was conducted on October 16-
20, 1961.
Scope
The scope of the surveys had been of the reconnaissance type, through
which an evaluation of the condition of the reservoir could be made.
The surveys conducted to date have consisted of sampling for dis-
solved oxygen, temperature, pH, bottom deposits, and plankton.
Sampling stations have been located at approximately five-mile in-
tervals throughout the length of the reservoir. A 20-foot Skagit
outboard boat, equipped with a handwinch with 200 feet of 3/32-inch
cable was used in the first survey. Four hundred feet of cable,
which allowed for sampling the entire water column, was available
for the second survey. Temperature has been measured by means of
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2
a bathothermograph (0-200'), with temperatures below the 200-foot
depth being taken with reversing thermometers. Surface tempera-
tures were taken with an ordinary laboratory thermometer. Kemmerer
and Frautschy water sample bottles were used for sampling beneath
the surface. A Clarke-Bumpus plankton net was used in the collec-
tion of the plankton samples on the October 16-20, 1961, survey,
and a Beckman model-N pH meter was used on the initial survey for
the measurement of pH. Bottom samples were taken by means of
Petersen and Ekraan dredges. Dissolved oxygen determinations were
made using the Alsterberg modification.
Summary of Findings
On the August 30, 1961, survey it was found that the dissolved oxy-
gen concentration of a 17-mile reach of Brownlee Reservoir was less
than or equal to 4 parts per million. At one sampling station some
21 miles upstream of Brownlee Dam, the dissolved oxygen concentra-
tion varied from a maximum of 3 parts per million at the surface to
zero at the 130-foot depth and below. A study of the data collected
immediately upstream of the Dam on this same date indicates that
waters contained approximately 2 parts per million of dissolved
oxygen were being released downstream and into Oxbow Reservoir.
Samples were not collected below Brownlee Reservoir on the August 30,
1961, survey. The water temperature varied from a high of 25.5° C
in the surface water to 21-22° C at 100 feet to a low of 9.6° C at
175 feet.
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3
On the October 16-20, 1961, survey significant changes were re-
corded in temperature and dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen
concentrations showed increases, to a maximum of 6 parts per rail-
lion, since the August survey with conditions generally improved
at most sampling points. The deeper waters were still of inferior
quality. Surface water temperatures had cooled some 8.5° C with
lesser changes occurring throughout the water column.
On October 19, 1961, two dissolved oxygen samples were taken below
Brown lee Dam at the highway bridge. The dissolved oxygen in the
flowing water at the head of Oxbow Reservoir was then 5.3 parts
per million. Data collected by Idaho Power Company on October 17,
1961, in and below Oxbow Reservoir, reported dissolved oxygen con-
centrations from the surface to bottom (100 feet) of Oxbow Reser-
voir at 5.0 parts per million. Unfortunately, similar data were
not collected on the August 30, 1961, survey.
A more detailed explanation and evaluation of each of these two
surveys, including data on the plankton sampling, is included in
the appendix.
During the week of August 21, a cooperative survey by the Oregon
State Sanitary Authority, Idaho State Department of Health, and
Public Health Service was conducted on the Snake River from the
upper end of Brown lee Reservoir to Adrian, Oregon, a reach of some
65 miles. The water quality of the Snake River, as measured on
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4
this survey, did not detect or indicate any degraded water qual-
ity conditions which could be expected to adversely effect the
waters of Brownlee Reservoir. Data collected on this survey are
appended.
Water quality data collected in Brownlee Reservoir by the Idaho
Department of Fish and Game during the summer and fall of 1961
are also appended as is a list of selected references pertinent
to this problem.
Conclusions
As a result of these reconnaissance studies, it is evident that
impoundments can and do seriously affect certain water quality
factors both within the impoundment itself and downstream from
the dams.
These studies were not sufficient to evaluate the effects of im-
poundments upon the total aquatic environment nor upon all of the
water quality factors desirable for domestic and industrial water
supplies.
The greatest changes in water quality factors within the impound-
ments were those related to dissolved oxygen and temperature, both
of which are key factors in the problems associated with the anad-
romous fishery as well as resident fishes. In view of the large
expenditures being proposed for future reservoir construction
throughout the Pacific Northwest, many of which will also include
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5
costly structures to facilitate fish passage, it would appear
desirable to more fully evaluate the effects of impoundments
upon the quality of the water stored in them. Unless this is
done, this water quality degradation may well offset the other
efforts being considered in the planning of fish passage faci-
lities.
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APPENDIX MATERIAL
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RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY OF THE BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
August 30, 1961
R. J. Callaway
On August 30, 1961, Messrs, Callaway, Kari, and Hoffman participated in
a reconnaissance survey of the Brownlee Reservoir. Ten stations were
occupied; distance between stations was about five miles.
The surface and subsurface distribution of temperature, pH, and dissolved
oxygen was observed. Vertical spacing of pH and oxygen samples in depths
over 100 feet was determined by examination of the bathythermograph (BT)
trace of temperature versus depth. Vertical plankton hauls were made at
several stations. Bottom sediment samples were collected, depth permit-
ting, for the Oregon State Sanitary Authority.
Temperature Distribution
Figure 1 shows the profile of temperature from the dam to 46 miles up-
stream. Stations 1-5 indicate very little stratification due to turbu-
lent mixing in the shallower parts of the river. Stratification is
evident from station 6 to the dam, the depth of the thermocline being
about 100 feet. Temperatures of less than 10°C. existed from the dam
to mile 15.
For complete overturn to occur, it would be necessary for the surface
waters in the pool to cool below 10°C. If the upper river water (miles
46 to 26) cools at the same rate of change as the pool waters, it seems
that they might slide along the bottom into the pool before overturn of
relatively low dissolved oxygen water in the pool (miles 0 to 26). This
is, however, speculation and additional data must be gathered for confir-
mation.
Dissolved Oxygen Distribution
Figure 2 shows the dissolved oxygen concentration along the river.
The anomalous values at station 9 were not contoured. They are, however,
carried in the appended data sheets.
At station 6 no oxygen was found at the two lowest sampling depths of
130 and 145 feet. A noticeable odor of H?S was observed. It seems likely
that this condition was also present along the bottom at stations 7-10, but
the length of wire on the winch would not allow us to go below 185 feet.
Figure 3 shows percent saturation of oxygen uncorrected for altitude.
Again, the anomalous values at station 9 are not considered in contouring.
As in the oxygen profile, the greatest rate of change of saturation occurs
in the region of the thermocline.
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pH Distribution
Figure 4 shows the pH profile. There is a general increase of pH
towards the dam in the upper 25 feet with the exception of a ridge
of pH 8.2 present at stations 7-8. A fairly rapid decrease in pH is
seen at depths of 100-125 feet, the depth of most rapid decrease in
temperature.
Some Questions to be Considered
1. Is the low dissolved oxygen concentration caused by decora-
posing organic matter present in the heavy summer phytoplankton popu-
lation or by the upstream waste discharges?
There is probably an interaction here. Examination of sediments near
the dam should be undertaken using an Emery-Dietz Corer.
Additional data should be gathered in the fall and winter months to
determine whether or not there is a complete reoxygenation of the bot-
tom waters. Flow data should be obtained from the agencies concerned.
2. Is the process of reoxygenation one of overturn near the dam,
or does a convective circulation exist?
Because of the great stability of the water near the dam, overturn may
be of secondary importance in reoxygenation. Rather, cold waters in
the shallower parts of the river might slide along the bottom into the
reservoir, with a resultant one or two layer convective circulation.
Sampling Station Data
Water samples were collected with a Kemraerer bottle.
pH was measured with a Beckman model N-2 pH meter.
Temperature in depths less than 100 feet was measured with a laboratory
thermometer. Samples were taken from a Kemmerer water sampler, placed
in a plastic bucket and the temperature recorded. In depths greater
than 100 feet, a bathythermograph (BT) was used. The BT slides were ad-
justed using surface temperature and the temperature at depth as recorded
by a pair of reversing thermometers.
Dissolved oxygen was determined immediately after completion of the sur-
vey. The Alsterberg (Azide) modification of the Winkler method was used.
Oxygen saturation was determined by the nomogram prepared by Richards and
Corwin (Limnology and Oceanography I, 4. 1956) based on data of Truesdale,
Downing, and Lowden.
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BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
Station #1
River Mile Above Dam; 46
Time: 0747 PMT
Depth
(Feet) £H
0 8.2
16 8.2
Bottom sample taken.
Bucket Temp.
°C
21.7
21.5
D.O.
ppm
6.7
6.5
Date: August 30, 196
Oxy .Saturation
(%)
78
76
Station #2
Time: 0828 PMT
Depth
(Feet) p_H
0 8.2
15 8.2
29 8.2
Bottom sample taken.
Time: 0910 PMT
Depth
(Feet) £H
0 7.9
15 7.9
30 8.2
45 8.3
55 8.3
River Mile Above
Bucket Temp.
°C
21.8
21.6
21.6
Station #3
River Mile Above
Bucket Temp.
°C
21.6
21.6
21.5
21.5
21.5
Dam: 41
D.O.
ppm
7.2
7.1
7.0
Dam: 36
D. 0.
ppro
6.9
7.3
6.8
6.6
6.8
Date: August 30, 1961
Oxy . Saturation
(%)
83
82
81
Date: August 30, 1961
Oxy .Saturation
(%)
80
85
79
77
79
Plankton haul 0-50 feet. Mesh size No. 25. Bottom sample taken with
Petersen dredge.
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Time:0950 PMT
Depth
(feet)
0
20
40
60
80
£H
8.3
8.2
8.2
8.2
8.2
Station #4
River Mile Above Dam:
31
Bucket Temp.
°C
23.0
23.2
22.3
22.2
22.1
D.O.
ppm
4.9
4.3
5.6
6.2
2.9
Date: August 30, 1961
Oxy. Saturation
58
51
66
73
34
Plankton haul 0-50 feet. Bottom sample taken,
Station #5
River Mile Above Dam; 26
Time: 1100 PMT
Depth
(feet)
0
30
60
90
110
2H
8.2
8.2
8.2
8.2
8.1
Time: 1150
Depth
(feet)
0
30
60
90
110
130
145
£H
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.2
7.8
7.4
BT(No.l)Temp.
°C
24.3
24.2
23.9
23.1
22.8
Station #(
River Mile Above
BT (No. 2) Temp.
°C
24.8
24.1
24.1
23.5
21.2
15.7
12.9
D.O.
ppm
3.2
2.8
3.2
4.0
3.9
i
Dam: 21
D.O.
PPM
3.0
2.6
2.5
1.8
0.2
0.0
0.0
Date: August 30, 1961
Oxy. Saturation
39
34
39
49
48
Date: August 30, 1961
Oxy. Saturation
37
32
30
22
2
0
0
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Time: 1315 FMT
Depth
(feet)
0
40
80
100
120
140
160
180
£H
8.4
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.7
7.5
7.6
-
Station #7
River Mile Above Dam: 18.5
BT (No .4) Temp.
°C
24.8
24.0
23.9
22.3
18.5
13.0
10.8
10.0
D.O.
ppm
4.2
2.8
2.9
0.3
0.4
0.2
0.2
-
Date: August 30, 1961
Oxy .Saturation
52
34
35
4
4
2
2
Plankton haul 0-50 feet. Samples at 140, 160 feet strained through net,
Time: 1440 HIT
Depth
(feet)
0
45
90
120
150
175
£H
8.1
8.4
8.3
7.8
7.7
-
Station #8
River Mile Above Dam: 11
BT (No. 4) Temp
D.O
25.1
24.1
23.6
18.7
11.7
4.6
3.9
2.8
0.6
0.3
Date: August 30, 1961
Oxy .Saturation
57
48
34
7
3
9.9
Surface plankton haul between stations 8,9
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Time: 1642 5MT
Depth
(feet) pH
0
50
111
135
175
8.4
8.35
8.45
7.8
7.7
Station #9*
River Mile Above Dam:
BT (No. 7) Temp.
°C
24.8
24.1
20.4
14.4
9.9
D.O.
ppm
5.4
1.6**
5.1**
0.4
0.3
*Taken after station #10.
Date: August 30, 1961
Oxy.Saturation
(7.)
67
19
59
4
3
**Values questionable but retained because of pH value.
Time: 1545 PMT
Depth
(feet)
0
25
50
75
100
125
175
£H
8.6
8.6
8.5
8.2
8.1
7.9
7.8
Station #10
River Mile Above Dam: 0.5
BT (No. 6) Temp.
°C
25.5
24.5
24.4
23.5
21.8
18.0
9.6
D.O.
ppm
6.1
5.0
4.7
1.1
1.2
1.2
1.7
Date: August 30, 1961
Oxy. Saturation
77
62
58
13
14
13
15
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LIMNOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY
OF BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
October 16-20, 1961
R. J. Callaway
During October 16-20, 1961, Messrs. Callaway, Hoffman, Kari, and Moore
participated in the second of a proposed series of surveys on and below
the Brownlee Reservoir. The first survey was made during August 28-
September 1, 1961.
The surface and subsurface distribution of temperature and dissolved
oxygen was observed at stations spaced about five miles apart. In ad-
dition, three cross-sectional stations were occupied, consisting of
three stations in each section. The position of the cross-section
stations was determined from a plot of the horizontal distribution of
dissolved oxygen resulting from the first eleven stations. These cross
section stations are numbered as: 9.5A, B, C; 10.5A, B, C; and are
shown in Figure 1.
Bottom samples were obtained,using a modified Etiman dredge. The loca-
tion of the samples is given in the data sheets.
Horizontal plankton tows of one-minute duration were made at various
stations and depths using a Clarke-Bumpus sampler. Nannoplankton col-
lections at various stations and depths were made using either a Kern-
merer or Frautschy water sampler. The location of the samples is noted
in the data sheets.
Temperature
Figure 2 shows the temperature profile along the reservoir. The bottom
topography is taken at the maximum depth reached on each station, and
differs from the topography shown in the figures of the August 30 sur-
vey.
Figure 3 shows the change of temperature that has occurred since the
first survey. As can be seen, the water below 150 feet in about the
first 15 miles above the dam has not changed in temperature. (Note
that the contours of -1, -2, -3, -4° C. are not drawn.)
Oxygen
The vertical distribution of dissolved oxygen is shown in figure 4.
The spacing of stations and the fact that full depth was reached on
this survey, allowed better representation of the data. Above river
mile 12, there is very little vertical gradient of dissolved oxygen,
while near the dam a marked gradient exists, both vertically and hori-
zontally. Whereas, the August survey showed low dissolved oxygen ex-
tending quite far upstream, the October survey shows only a portion of
the reservoir deficient.
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The change in oxygen content between August and October is shown in
figure 5. The greatest change is at about 125 feet from miles 10-20.
It would appear from this data that a tongue of relatively high oxy-
gen water has penetrated along the bottom and either mixed with or
replaced low dissolved oxygen. To substantiate this idea, however,
more closely spaced surveys would be needed.
Although the depth attained on the first cruise did not reach the
bottom, it is apparent that little or no change in oxygen content
is evident below 150 feet, where, as seen in figure 3, there was also
little change in temperature.
Figures 6-9 are plots of temperature and dissolved oxygen versus depth
for all stations occupied during October 18-20, 1961.
Recommendations
In order for complete reoxygenation of waters to occur near the dam,
temperatures of the upper river water will have to be cooled to less
than 8° C. It is felt that the deep water will be replaced by water
moving in along the bottom, rather than by overturn.
Arrangements should be made with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
to provide us with their surface water temperature data near Weiser.
This data should include minimum, maximum, and mean air and water
temperatures, and should be forwarded to us daily, if possible, over
the next fev weeks. When temperatures at Weiser approach 10° C., a
survey should be made. If temperatures fall below about 7° C., another
survey should be made; perhaps it will be possible to remain on the
reservoir for a period of about two weeks when and if the water tem-
perature of the upper river comes into the 16° C. to 1° C. range.
Since the volume of water below 150 feet is small, only a few days
runoff of cold upper river water will be necessary to completely
replace that now present.
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-------
-------
BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
Station #1
River Mile Above Dam; 52
Time: 1050 PST Date: October 18, 1961
Depth Bucket Temp. D.O.
(feet) (° C.) (ppm)
0 13.3 9.1
13 13.2 8.9
Bottom sample taken.
Horizontal plankton tow at 7 and 10 feet.
Station #2
lile Above I
Time: 1130 PST Date: October 18, 1961
t
Depth
(feet)
0
15
30
i
Depth
(feet)
5
15
30
45
Bucket Temp.
(° C.)
14.0
13.6
13.6
Station #3
River Mile Above Dam:
Bucket Temp.
(° C.)
14.5
14.2
14.1
13.8
DJ
D.O.
(ppm)
9.8
9.4
9.1
42
D>
D. 0.
(ppm)
9.5
9.3
9.3
8.7
Time: 1215 PST Date: October 18, 1961
Horizontal plankton tows at 5, 15 and 30 feet.
Nannoplankton collection at 5, 15, and 30 feet.
-------
Station #4
River Mile Above Dam;
37
Time:
Bottom
Time:
1310 PST
Depth
(feet)
5
25
55
85
sample taken.
1345 PST
Depth
(feet)
0
26
56
86
BT (#1) Temp.
(° C.)
15.9
14.8
14.6
14.4
Station #5
River Mile Above Dam
BT (#2) Temp.
(° C.)
16.2
15.6
15.5
14.4
Bottom sample taken. Horizontal plankton
Nannoplankton collection at 15 and 55 feet
Time:
1415 PST
Depth
(feet)
0
25
50
80
100
125
150
Station #6
River Mile Above Dam
BT (#3) Temp.
(° C.)
16.1
15.6
15.5
15.4
14.5
13.7
13.1
Date: October 18,1961
D. 0.
(ppm)
8.5
7.8
8.0
8.0
: 31.5
Date: October 18, 1961
D. 0.
(ppm)
8.2
7.9
7.6
7.6
tow at 5, 15 and 40 feet.
•
: 21
Date: October 18, 1961
D. 0.
(ppm)
8.0
7.1
7.4
7.5
7.4
7.4
7.7
Bottom sample taken. Horizontal plankton tow at 5, 15, 30, 50, 75 and
100 feet. Nannoplankton collection at 15, 50, 100 and 125 feet.
-------
Station #7
River Mile Above Dam;
22
Time:
0945 PST
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
125
150
BT (#4) Temp.
(° C.)
15.6
15.5
14.9
13.3
12.6
Date:
D. 0.
(ppm)
7.2
7.2
7.0
7.0
6.7
Bottom sample taken. Horizontal Plankton tow at 50,
Nannoplankton collection at 25, 100 and 150 feet.
Time:
Time:
1100 PST
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
150
187
1130 PST
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
130
180
Station #8
River Mile Above Dam:
BT (#5) Temp.
(° C.)
15.7
15.5
14.8
12.7
12.2
Station # 9
River Mile Above Dam:
BT (#6) Temp.
(° C.)
15.8
15.4
14.6
13.1
11.9
17
Date:
D. 0.
(ppm)
6.7
6.5
5.7
6.6
6.3
12
Date:
D. 0.
(ppm)
6.6
6.3
5.1
6.6
6.5
October 19, 1961
100, and 150 feet.
October 19, 1961
October 19, 1961
Bottom sample taken.
-------
Station
River Mile Above Dam;
Time: 1418 PST Date: October 19, 1961
1
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
150
175
200
BT (#7) Temp.
(° C.)
16.5
15.5
14.3
12.3
10.0
9.0
DJ
D. 0.
(ppm)
6.3
4.5
4.1
4.0
0.1
0.2
Bottom sample taken. Horizontal plankton tow at 25, 50, 100, 150 and
200 feet. Nannoplankton collection at 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 feet.
Station
River Mile Above Dam; 2
Time: 1535 PST Date: October 19, 1961
Depth BT (#8) Temp. D. 0.
(feet) (° C.) (ppm)
0 16.3 6.6
50 15.8 5.7
100 13.8 1.3
125 12.8 1.6
150 11.9 1.8
175 10.2 0.2
200 9.0 0.2
225 (8.3) 0.2
260 (7.6) 0.5
264 7.6
Horizontal plankton tow at 50, 130, and 200 feet.
Temperatures at 225, 260 feet interpolated.
Temperature at 264 feet is average of two reversing thermometer readings•
Station #9.5A
River Mile Above Dam; 9.5
Time: 0915 PST Date: October 20, 1961
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
124
BT (#9) Temp.
(° C.)
15.2
15.2
14.1
13.4
D. 0.
(ppm)
6.0
4.5
4.5
5.0
-------
Station #9.5B
River Mile Above Dam;
9.5
Time: 0930 PST
Time: 1100 PST
Time: 1120 PST
1
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
150
175
200
213
242
i
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
150
175
200
r
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
150
175
200
232
BT(#10) Temp.
(° C.)
15.4
15.4
14.1
12.2
10.0
9.1
8.5
~
Station #10. 5A
River Mile Above Dam:
BT (#12) Temp.
(° C.)
15.6
15.6
14.4
12.5
11.3
9.0
Station #10.58
River Mile Above Dam:
BT (#13) Temp.
(° C.)
15.6
15.6
14.6
12.5
10.6
9.3
8.2
Date:
D. 0.
(ppm)
5.1
6.1
6.3
4.6
4.5
0.1
-
0.1
4,5
Date:
D. 0.
(ppm)
6.1
6.0
2.4
2.0
0.9
0.4
4»5
Date:
D. 0.
(ppm)
5.9
6.1
2.3
2.6
0.3
0.2
-
October 20, 1961
October 20, 1961
October 20, 1961
-------
Station #9.5C
Mile Above D
Time: 0945 FST Date: October 20, 1961
*
Depth
(feet)
0
50
75
110
River Mile Above
BT (#11) Temp
(o C.)
15.5
15.4
14.7
13.8
Dam: 9.5
Date:
D. 0.
(ppm)
6.4
6.5
3.2
3.3
-------
Station#10.5C
River Mile Above Dam;
4.5
Time: 1150 PST
Time: 1300 PST
Time: 1320 PST
c
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
150
170
i
Depth
(feet)
0
50
95
C
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
150
175
200
BT (#14) Temp.
(° C.)
15.6
15.6
14.6
12.6
11.6
Station #9.2C
River Mile Above Dam:
BT (#15) Temp.
(° C.)
15.4
15.4
14.5
Station 9.2B
River Mile Above Dam:
BT (#16) Temp.
(° C.)
15.3
15.3
14.0
12.0
9.8
9.1
Date
D. 0.
(ppm)
6.0
5.9
2.5
3.3
1.4
11
Date
D. 0.
(ppm)
6.2
6.2
5.0
11
Date
D. 0.
(ppm)
6.1
6.0
5.4
4.7
0.4
0.3
October 20, 1961
October
1961
October
1961
-------
Station 9.2A
River Mile Above Dam; 11
Time: 1350 PST
Time: 1130 PST
r
Depth
(feet)
0
50
100
150
175
210
r
Depth
(feet)
BT (#17) Temp.
(° C.)
15.4
15.3
13.9
12.0
10.1
8.8
Bridge Below Brownlee
Bucket Temp.
(° C.)
Date:
D. 0.
(ppm)
6.4
6.2
5.0
4.9
0.2
0.2
Dam
Date:
D. 0.
(ppm)
October 20, 1961
October 21, 1961
16 5.3
-------
BIOLOGICAL PHASE OF BROWNLEE RESERVOIR SURVEY
October 16-20, 1961
Dr. 0. A. Hoffman
The data collected on this field trip show substantially nothing more
than what was present at the time of collection. In order to deter-
mine the causes of oxygen depletion in Brownlee Reservoir, a more ex-
tensive study program will be necessary.
The numbers of Bacillariese decrease from the upper to the lower end
of the reservoir (figure 1). This is to be expected,as the members
of this group, Diatoms, are more characteristic of lotic (flowing)
waters. However, it is interesting to note that the rate of decrease
is greater in the upper waters than in the lower waters. This indi-
cates that perhaps the colder, and denser, water entering the reser-
voir from the Snake River is flowing along the bottom until it meets
a layer of water of lower temperature and greater density. At this
point the incoming water may flow out on top of the colder layer. An
examination of Callaway's figure 2, and Hoffman's figure 1, indicates
this may have occurred at the 50-foot level between stations 4 and 6.
An examination of figure 2 indicates that the numbers of blue-green
algae, Melosira, increased in the downstream areas of the reservoir,
reaching maximum counts at stations 5 and 6. Since blue-green algae
are conventionally used as indicators of organic pollution, this in-
crease is worthy of future study. That is, studies to determine a
correlation between nutrient quantity and quality with algae growth.
The numbers of crustacea were similar at the stations from which they
were collected. It is interesting to note that the dependence of
crustacea upon algae for food is indicated by their presence in, and
downstream from, areas of large algae populations (figures 2 and 3).
The overall larger numbers of organisms in the upper layers of the
water may account for a part of the oxygen depletion in the deeper
waters. A lake can be divided into two general zones, an upper pho-
to synthetic or tropholytic zone and a lower tropholytic zone. The
volume of the upper trophogenic zone is dependent upon the depth to
which sufficient light for photosynthesis will penetrate. This is
the zone in which the autochthonous organic material is produced.
The tropholytic zone is the area where the organic material is oxi-
dized. If the ratio of the volumes of the two zones is large, one can
see that the amount of organic material produced in the upper zone may
be greater than the quantity of oxygen in the lower zone can oxidize;
hence a depletion in the oxygen at the lower level. If allochthonous
organic material is added — say some pollutant — then more oxygen is
required and a greater depletion occurs.
The problem in Brownlee Reservoir is to determine the quantity of oxy-
gen required to oxidize the organic material produced within the lake
as well as that added from outside the lake.
-------
Recommendations
If the Brownlee Reservoir is to be studied further, another trip in
the immediate future is necessary -- no later than March 20th. The
data from this trip will show the condition of the reservoir after
over-wintering, i. e., whether or not there is an oxygen-depleted
zone, the presence or lack of inverse thermal stratification, the
quantity and quality of nutrients, and the composition of the plank-
ton population. Nutrient analysis should definitely include phospho-
rus and nitrogen compounds. This will give an indication of the
quantities of these nutrients that are added later in the year.
An additional trip will be necessary during April or May to measure
the effects of the spring overturn. At least one trip each month
should be made in June, July, August, September, and October.
Data from these trips will enable the determination of the $2* p» N»
temperature, pH, and other significant elements, their sources and
utilization, as well as their influence upon the organisms within the
reservoir.
-------
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-------
TABLE I
PLANKTON COLLECTED FROM STATION I. BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
OCTOBER 18. 1961
ORGANISMS PER LITER
Organism Depth
Coelospharium 601
Stautastrum 49
Cyclotella 3,218
Dino&ryon 49
Asterionella 244
Pediastrum 33
Synedra 2,909
Navicula 813
Amphora 244
Diatoma 244
Scenedesmus 125
Fragilaria 146
Tabellaria 146
(Syrosigma 33
Melosira 2,681
-------
TABLE II
PLANKTON COLLECTED FROM STATION III. BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
OCTOBER 18. 1961
ORGANISMS PER LITER
Organism
Coelospharium
St auras trim
Cyclotella
Dinobryon
Asterlone1la
Fedlastrum
Synedra
Navicula
Amphora
Diatoma
Scenedesmus
Fragilaria
Tabellaria
Gyrosigma
Melosira
Anabaena
Polyarthra
Keratella
Brachionus
Nauplius
1,
1,
3,
4,
2,
5'
338
127
98
688
431
140
962
64
25
0
140
510
0
0
204
051
14
17
3
0
D E P T
15'
235
152
1,171
317
655
90
1,220
145
34
0
289
172
62
7
11,596
210
28
28
14
0
H
30'
345
25
254
127
169
17
254
59
17
20
0
169
211
0
1,424
1,331
0
8
0
8
-------
TABLE III
PLANKTON COLLECTED FROM STATION V. BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
Organism
Coe los phar ium
Staurastrum
Asterionella
Pediastrum
Navicula
Fragilaria
Tabellaria
Melosira
Polyarthra
Keratella
Ceratium
Bosmina
Nauplius
Cyclops
Diaptomus
Daphnia
OCTOBER 18, 1961
ORGANISMS PER LITER
D E
15'
350
91
1
43
0
9
0
31,624
144
28
31
4
4
8
7
7
P T H
40'
50
25
0
9
1
2
1
16,735
5
3
6
0
1
2
6
5
-------
10
TABLE IV
•
PLANKTON COLLECTED FROM STATION VI. BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
OCTOBER 18. 1961
ORGANISMS PER LITER
DEPTH
Organism
Coelosphartum
Staurastrum
Asterionella
Pediastrum
Scenedesmus
Fragilaria
Tabellaria
Me lo sir a
Polyarthra
Keratella
Ceratium
Bosmina
Nauplius
Cyclops
Diaptomus
Daphnia
5'
55
58
1
48
0
5
0
3,431,400
148
9
20
1
24
20
25
0
15'
38
61
9
59
0
11
0
48,872
197
24
34
3
8
11
9
13
30'
211
46
0
15
0
0
0
28,743
45
10
8
1
5
7
3
0
50'
293
86
8
32
1
6
1
98,712,900
30
3
2
0
19
10
2
3
75'
164
41
3
12
0
1
0
10,655
17
3
3
1
5
5
3
2
100'
116
53
72
15
13
46
13
46,461
11
4
0
10
8
19
6
2
125'
138
17
3
10
0
5
4
8,867
3
0
1
1
0
10
2
2
-------
11
TABLE V
PIANKTON COLLECTED FROM STATION VII. BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
OCTOBER 19, 1961
Organism
Coelospharium
Staurostrum
Pediastrum
Ankistrodesmus
Fragilaria
Melosira
Polyarthra
Keratella
Ceratium
Bosmina
Nauplius
Cyclops
Diaptomus
Daphnia
ORGANISMS PER
50'
3
45
13
3
3
6,698,640
6
4
3
1
15
9
3
12
LITER
DEPTH
100'
2
27
7
0
4
21,727
2
2
0
0
3
6
0
4
150'
37
10
3
0
4
7,447
0
1
1
3
1
24
3
7
-------
12
TABLE VI
PLANKTON COLLECTED FROM STATION X. BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
OCTOBER 19. 1961
ORGANISMS PER LITER
DEPTH
Organism
Coelospharium
Staurastrum
Pediastrum
Fragilaria
Me lo sir a
Polyarthra
Keratella
Ceratum
Bosmina
Nauplius
Cyclops
Draptomus
Daphnia
Leplodora
25'
0
88
14
5
13,728
4
6
2
3
6
5
2
1
0
50'
0
111
19
2
8,100,000
0
7
0
3
2
4
0
1
1
100'
0
2
1
0
1,400
0
0
0
1
1
5
0
1
0
150'
1
0
1
0
1,726
0
0
0
2
1
6
2
1
0
200'
0
0
0
0
623
0
0
0
3
0
5
0
7
1
-------
13
TABLE VII
PLANKTON COLLECTED FROM STATION XI. BROWNLEE RESERVOIR
Organism
Staurastrum
Asterionella
Pediastrum
Fragilaria
Melosira
Polyarthra
Keratella
Ceratium
Bosmina
Nauplius
Cyclops
Daphnia
OCTOBER 19, 1961
ORGANISMS PER LITER
D
50'
168
1
16
1
100,980
1
5
1
4
2
8
1
E P T H
130 '
0
0
0
0
497
0
0
0
6
0
9
1
200'
0
0
0
0
555
0
0
0
3
0
2
0
-------
Memo to: Columbia River Salmon and Steelnead Technical Committee
From: Wendell E. Smith, Fish Biologist, Idaho Power Company
Subject: Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Readings Pertinent to
Oxbow Spillway Flushing Experiment
Throughout the occurrence of the fall chinook salmon run at
Oxbow in 1961, the migration of fish around the bow and into the trap
at the spillway remained relatively normal when compared to that of the
past two years. This occurred despite the fact that the ratio of water
flow around the bow to that of the powerhouse tailrace was only approxi-
mately 1:10. The reasons for the surprising lack of expected congre-
gation of fish at the tailrace were investigated and one factor was
apparent. This was that the water discharged over the spillway became
aerated significantly more than that released below the powerhouse.
Coupled with the effects of aerating the trap intake water, the flow
around the bow contained a continuously higher dissolved oxygen content,
amounting to approximately three parts per million, than that in the
tailrace.
The purpose of an experiment conducted on October 18 was to
determine if increased spill and flow around the bow would concurrently
increase the dissolved oxygen levels in the greater amount of water.
Such was not the case. In fact, an indication of the reverse was true,
though the dissolved oxygen change was so slight as to not particularly
offset any possible value to fish of increasing flow.
In the first of two tables following, a measure of the
temperature and dissolved oxygen patterns in Oxbow reservoir is recorded.
These data show that all available water for discharge downstream from
Oxbow Dam contains only marginal quantities of dissolved oxygen for fish
sustenance at this time of year. The second table demonstrates that
little or no aeration occurs when water passes through the project
turbines. It would appear, therefore, that spillway and trap aeration
is a more desirable function than increased flow for fall chinook. There
is no doubt that considerable difficulty would have been experienced in
fish passage without the benefit of aeration.
Wendell E. Smith
Fish Biologist
10-23-61
-------
TABLE I
TEMPERATURE AND DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVELS
IN OXBOW RESERVOIR AND BELOW
(October IT, 196l, 3 PM - Clear, "breezy, mild
day at buoy line upstream from intake)
Depth
Surface
10
20
30
1*0
50
60
70
80
90
100 (bottom)
Location
Temp.
62.5°F
62.0
62.0
62.0
62.0
62.0
62.0
61.5
61.5
61.5
61.5
Time
Dissolved Oxygen
5-0 ppm
5.0 ppm
5.0 ppm
D.O. .Temp.
Oxbow Tailrace 4:00 PM 5.0 ppm 60° F
Lowermost Bow Riffle 4:30 PM 8,5 ppm 6l° F
Uppermost Bow Riffle 5:00 PM 8.0 ppm 60° F
W.E.S. - 10-23-61
-------
TABLE II
OXBOW SPILLWAY FLUSHING AND DISSOLVED OXYGEN EXPERIMENT
(October 18, 1961 - Clear, warm day)
Time Location Temp. P.O.
10:15 AM Oxbow Tailrace 6o°F 5.0. ppm
10:30 AM Lowermost Bow Riffle 6o°F 8.0 ppm
11:00 AM Uppermost Bow Riffle 6l°F 8.0 ppm
Spillway flow increased to 5000 cfs at 11:V? AM
1:50 FM Uppermost Bow Riffle 6l°F 7.5 ppm
2:15 PM Lowermost Bow Riffle 6o°F 7.5 ppm
2:30 PM Oxbow Tailrace 60°F 5.0 ppm
2:^5 PM Right Bank (Idaho) Bridge "below Tailrace 60°F 6.0 ppm
3:00 PM Left Bank (Oregon) Bridge below Tailrace 6o°F 5.0 ppm
Spillway returned to normal (1000 cfs) at 1:30 PM
(Following records considered to be post-flushing)
5:00 PM Uppermost Bow Riffle 6o°F 8.0 ppm
*5:20 PM Lowermost Bow Riffle 60°F 7,5 ppm
*Water level back to normal but water discoloration
resulting from flushing still in evidence at lower-
most riffle during 5:20 PM check.
W.E.S. - 10-21-61
-------
November 29, 1961
GLE
ft. J. HOLMES
ARLIE JOHN
TOM FELTO
Mr. W. W. Towne, Director
Columbia River Basin Project
Public Health Service
570 Pittock Block
Portland 5, Oregon
Dear Mr. Towne:
This is to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of data
collected from Snake River and Brownlee Reservoir by
members of your survey team during October. We
appreciate receiving this information.
Enclosed are copies of some temperature and dissolved
oxygen data collected by members of our Department at
various places and at various times during the summer
in Brownlee Reservoir. I mentioned the availability of
this data to Mr. Earl Kari over the phone some time ago
and am enclosing them for your use.
Sincerely yours,
Ross Leonard, Director
FRH:rmw
Enclosure
Forrest R. Hauck, Coordinator
Basin Investigations
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
W:ter Supply ^ "«=' ro"uiion Control. PNW
L'EO
1961
570 Pittock BlocK
Portland, Oregon
-------
Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Records of Brownlee and Oxbow
as taken by Bill Webb
June 6, 1961, Brownlee Reservoir
Location I (upper 10 miles)
Depth
Surface
10 ft.
25 ft.
50 ft.
67 ft.
70 ft.
97 ft.
Temp .
70UF
70
68
64
62
62
60
D. O.
9.4 p.p
9.2
7.8
6.4
2.6
3.2
0.6
m.
Location II (30 miles downstream)
Depth
Surface
115 ft.
135 ft.
140 ft.
165 ft.
Air Temp.
Temp.
72°F.
60
58
58
58
-- 77° F.
D. O.
9.4 p. p. m.
7.4
0.8
0.8
0.4
to 84°F.
June 22 and 23, Brownlee Reservoir
Location; One Mile below Powder River
Depth
0 ft.
25 ft.
50 ft.
75 ft.
100 ft.
125 ft.
150 ft.
175 ft.
195 ft.
200 ft.
Temp.
76 F.
71
70
68
65
61
59
56
56
56
D.O.
1 1 •. 6 p . p . m
8.0
7:0
7.4
6.6
3.8
3.6
2.6
0.5
0.1
Location; Six Miles below Farewell Bend
Depth
Gift.
5 ft.
12 ft.
25 ft.
35 ft..
47 ft.
Temp.
78°F.
78
78
76
77
75
D.O.
9.8 p.p. m.
9.6
8.8
7.6
7.6
7.8
Air Temp. — 91 F.
Air Temp. — 85° F.
-------
July 7, 1961, Brownlee Reservoir
Location: 3 miles below Farewell Bend
Location: 10 to 15 miles below Farewell Bend
Depth
Surface
25 ft.
55 ft.
67 ft.
Temp.
74°F.
73
73
73
D. O.
8.2 p.
8.0
7.4
3.2
p.m.
Several checks were made in the 3 to 10 mile75 ft.
portion of the section surveyed. The dep
D.O. 's and temperatures were similar to
those mentioned above.
The maximum air temperature for the day was 83 degrees F_
Depth
Surface
25 ft.
55 ft.
65 ft.
70 ft.
£5 ft.
i$0 ft.
85 ft.
90 ft.
Temp.
74° F.
74
74
74
74
71
71
71
68
D.O.
6.9 p. p. m
6.6
6.2
5.6
4.8
0.6
1.2
1.2
0.4
July 13, 1961, Brownlee Reservoir
Location: 3 miles above Brownlee Dam
Location; 3/4 mile upstream from sampling
Depth
Surface
25 ft.
50 ft.
75 ft.
100 ft.
125ft.
150 ft.
175 ft.
Temp.
82° F.
73
73
70
68
63
58
58
D.O.
8.2 p
7.2
6.6
5.0
4.8
3.8
1.8
0.6
.p.m. (super sat-
uration probably
due to wind
action)
Depth
100 ft.
125 ft.
150 ft.
175 ft.
205 ft.
Temp.
68° F.
63
56
54
54
station
D.O.
4.8 p. p.m.
3.8
2.8
2.6
0.2
Air temperature on reservoir — 92° F. at 2:45 p.m. (8 ° higher off of the reservoir)
-------
July 21, 1961, Brownlee Reservoir
Depth
Surface
25 ft.
50 ft.
75 ft.
Depth
Surface
25 ft.
50 ft.
75 ft.
100 ft.
122 ft.
Temp.
76°?.
74
74
74
Temp.
79.8°F.
77
77
73
69
66
D.O.
6.4 p
5.6
5.2
4.4
D.O.
8.8 p
6.4
5.2
0.6
0.2
0.0
5 miles below
Farewell Bend)
Depth
Surface
25 ft.
50 ft.
75 ft.
85 ft.
Temp.
78.0°F.
76.5
76
74
72
D.O.
7.6 p
5.2
4.2
0.5
0.4
.p.m. (Approx.
9 miles below
Farewell Bend)
p.m. (Approx. 17 miles below Farewell Bend.
Directly below Rock Creek.
(32 miles above Brownlee)
Air Temperature on Reservoir at 12:15 p.m.
86° F.
August 4, 1961, Brownlee Reservoir
Location: Burnt River
Location: Rock Creek
Depth
Surface
25 ft.
35 ft.
60 ft.
Temp.
81° F.
80
80
79
Air Temp. 98°
Depth
Surface
25 ft.
50 ft.
75 ft.
100 ft.
125 ft.
150 ft.
170 ft.
Temp.
78°F.
77
77
76
72
68
63
61
D.O. (p. p.m.)
12 . Or (super saturation
7 . 4 from wind)
6.8
4>6
F. at 3:30 p.m.
D.O. (p. p.m.)
8. "6 T (supersaturation
4 . 8 from wind)
3.1
1.4
1.3
0 . 4 Air temp.
0.0
0.0
Depth
Surface
25 ft.
50 ft.
75 ft.
100 ft.
125 ft..
Air temp
94° F. at 1:
Temp.
82UF.
79
78
77
72
70
. 90° F
00 p.m.
D.O.(p.pm)
12.4 7-(supersaturation
from wind)
5,
3,
2,
0,
0.0
90° F. at 10:30 a.m.
-------
August 18, 1961, Oxbow Pool
Location: Station..!.
Location: Station la.
Depth
Surface
10 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
Temp.
72° F.
72
70
70
D.O.
5.2 p.
5.0
4.7
4.6
p. m
D.O.
5.0 p.p.m.
4.8
4.6
4.6
Mr Temp. -- 92° F.
Location: Station III.
Depth.
120 ft.
110 ft.
100 ft.
90 ft.
80 ft.
70 ft.
60 ft.
50 ft.
40 ft.
30 ft.
20 ft.
10 ft.
0 ft.
Temp.
60.0°
61.0
61.5
63.5
66.5
69.0
69.5
70.0
70.5
71.0
71.0
72.0
75.0
August 25, 1961, Oxbow Pool
Location; Station.... II.
Air Temp. -- 81° F.
Location: Station III.
Eeptb
Surface
20 ft.
40 ft.
60 ft.
Temp.
73.0°
72.0
71.5
69.0
D.O.
F. 5.4 p.
5.0
4.8
4.6
p. m
Depth
Surface
25 ft.
50 ft.
75 ft.
100 ft.
115 ft.
Temp.
73.5°F.
71.8
71.0
68.0
60.0
60.0
D.O.
5.2 p.p.m
4.8
4.4
3.4
0.2
<0.1
-------
August 25, 1961, Oxbow Pool
Location: Statibnn III.
Temp.
60.0° F.
60.0
61.0
62.0
65.0
67.5
68.0
69.8
70.0
71.0
71.0
71.0
72.4
September 20, 1961, Oxbow Pool
Location: Wildhorse River r>rtttJk *u
Depth Temp. P.O.
Surface 68°F. 5.2 p.p.m.
25 ft. 68 4.8
-------
Chemical and Physical Data of Snake River and Tributaries
from Samples Collected on August 22-21;, 1961
pH
River-Miles Station Date Field
Snake
Snake
Snake
Snake
- 31*8.7 Oasis-bank 8-22-61 8.5
sample 8-2l*-6l 8.8
diurnal 8-2l*-6l 8.2
- 353 Weiser Br. Sta. 8-22-61 8.3
Eastside 8-2l*-6l 8.7
Middle Station 8-22-61 8.3
8-2U-61 8.7
diurnal 8-2t*-6l 8.3
West Side 8-22-61 8.3
8-2U-61 8.7
8-25-6o**>7.6
Statistical Summary
9/60 - 7/61 **•
Maximum 8.5
Minimum 7-6
Mean 8.2
- 368 Payette, Idaho Bridge
Eastside 8-22-61 8.1
8-21* -61 8.7
Middle Sta. diurnal 8-2l*-6l 8.2
West Side 8-22-61 8.2
8-2l*-6l 8.7
Statistical Summary
10/60-7/61
Maximum 8.1i
Minimum 7«6
Mean 8.2
- 372 Ontario - Hwy. Br. 30
8-22-61 8.7
8-2U-61 8.7
8- -60 >7.6
Temp DO
°C mg/1
27 9.5
25 10. 2
25 6.7
26 8.6
25 9.5
26 8.9
25 10.1*
25 6.1*
27 9.1*
26 10.1
18 8.8
25 12.3
3 7.8
12.9 10.3
26 8.3
2k 8.1*
25 6.3
26 8.5
21* 8.6
26 12.9
3 7.1
12.6 10.1
26 8.9
21* 9.2
11* 8.6
BOD
rag/1
3.h
1*.9
3.7
l*.l
1*-1
1*.9
14.0
l*.l
1*.3
5.2
2.2
3.6
1*.2
3.8
li.l
U.li
6.0
2.3
3.7
_ _
3.5
1.9
MPW
1.100
2,1*00
2l*,000
9,300
2,300
11,000
2l*,000
15,000
> 700
70,000
600
10,700
21* , 000
U,300
1*,300
i-,5oo
7,000
230
3,500
2,300
2,000
V700
. POi,
1 rag/1
0.021
0.012
0.003
0.183
0.012
0.000
0.015
0.030
0.12
0.01*1
0.000
0.006
0.006
0.012
0.000
NtU-N*
rag/1
0.96
0.63
0.95
0.57
1.01*
0.75
i.ol*
0.62
- -
0.88
0.66
0.93
0.60
0.88
0.70
WO-j-N*
rag/1
0.89
0.23
0.79
0.73
0.98
0.1*7
0.96
O.Mi
0.72
0.86
0.90
0.86
0.90
1.21*
1.17
TS
rag/1
369
393
1*91
357
378
396
1*05
399
1*71
1*06
362
1*26
1*10
1*1*5
1*57
ss
rag/1
36
1*5
120
27
51*
1*0
52
hh
lib
1*3
33
25
. 35
15
31
Turb
5
13
19
5
9
9
10
9
20
10
7
7
7
7
1*
Color
5
5
10
10
7
5
7
7
5
5
10
5
5
5
5
PH
lab
8.38
8.60
8.05
8.30
7.65
8.1*5
8.50
8.55
7.8
8.12
8.18
8.22
8.30
8.19
8.20
Alk
rag/1
163.0
168.0
158.0
153-5
153.5
162.0
167.0
166.5
176
172.0
li*8.5
180.5
176.5
181.0
190.5
Hard
rag/1
187
176
189
514.8
203
181
191
177
181
208
181
209
190
216
172
Cond.
mho's
1*65
51*0
1*30
5o5
1*50
51*5
1*50
550
570
708
l*5o
536
532
530
560
580
71*0
530
569
575
635
-------
2.
River -Miles Station Date
Snake -
Snake -
Weiser -
Payette
Malheur
Statistical Summary
9/60-7/61 Maximum
Minimum
Mean
389 Nyssa Hwy. Br. 20
Eastside 8-22-61
8-2lt-6l
Middle Sta. diurnal 8-2l)-6l
West side 8-22-61
8-2l*-6l
Statistical Summary
9/60 - 7/61
Maximum
Minimum
Mean
1)02 Adrian Bridge
8-22-61
8-2L-61
diurnal 8-2U-61
352 Hwy. 30 N. Br. 8-22-61
in Weise? 8-2h-6l
Idaho diurnal 8-2lt-6l
- 368-2 on Hwy. Br. £ 8-22-61
mi. S. of RR Br.8-2li-6l
diurnal 8-2U-61
- 369.1 Hwy. Br. 201 8-22-61
N.W. of Ontario8-2l*-6l
diurnal 8-2U-61
8-25-60
Statistical Summary
9/60 - 7/61 Maximum
Minimum
Mean
pH
Field
8.6
7.6
8.3
8.5
8.8
8.3
8.1*
8.8
8.5
7.6
8.3
8.5
8.3
8.2
8.7
8.8
7.8
8.7
8.7
8.0
8.9
8.8
8.0
>7.6
8.5
7.6
8.2
Temp
°C
26
3
13
25
23
2U
21)
23
27
3
13
2l*
23
2).,.
27
25
23
25
22
22.
25
23
23
111
26
1
12
DO
mg/1
12.9
7.2
10.5
7.1)
6.8
6.5
7-5
6.8
12. It
6.8
10.5
6.6
6.1
5 6.8
10.6
9.3
5.3
9.3
8.lj
5 6.1
16.2
13.0
5.o
8.6
15.6
7.2
10.9
BOD
rag/1
U.7
2.1)
2.9
3.5
2.1
3.3
2.6
1*.9
1.5
2.9
- -
2.0
2.6
3.1
3.2
l».l*
13.3
9.7
1.9
12.3
O.I)
3.9
MPN
13,000
U5o
710
>1 , 1QO
> 11, 000
1,100
>1 1,000
2,ljOO
60
710
>1 , 100
2,1)00
>1,100
11,000
11,000
21), 000
U,600
9,300
> 700
7,000
230
1,900
mg/1
0.018
O.OU5
0.000
0.018
0.006
0.000
0.108
0.316
0.060
0.018
0.252
o.i)8o
mg/1
0.95
0.60
0.71
0.6U
0.96
0.60
0.87
0.68
0.92
0.66
1.39
1.12
MO,-N*
0.53
1.21*
1.01
1.19
0.97
1.22
0.59
0.3U
0.1)2
0.53
0.07
0.58
TS
mg/1
1*16
1*27
l»3l
1)26
1)06
388
3 lli
31U
197
188
1375
1221
SS
mg/1
1*3
53
57
51
36
Ii2
62
61)
61
1*9
8h
85
Turb
7
9
12
7
7
7
29
26
9
7
21*
16
Color
7
5
5
5
5
5
20
20
15
10
17
20
pH
lab
8.05
8.02
7.98
7.95
7.90
7.72
8.25
7.95
8.02
7.85
8.1,5
8.25
Alk
mg/1
172.5
173.0
I6h. 0
161.0
157.0
155.5
1U2.0
137.5
83.5
85.0
335.0
1*25.0
Hard
mg/1
195
211*
205
205
202
211)
125
132
79 !•
65^2
1*30
319
Cond.
mho's
700
U90
553
1*1*5
550
l*5o
51*5
700
1*90
553
l*5o
500
355
360
191
208
11)60
1680
1700
130
1300
-------
3.
River
Boise
Owyhee
- Miles Station
- 391-3 Hwy Br. 20 and
26 in Parma, Idaho
- 392-2 Hwy. Br. 201
2 mi. S. of Owyhee
PH
Date Field
8-22-61
8-2U-61
8-22-61
8-2lt-6l
8.2
8.5
8.3
7.8
Temp
°C
23
21
21
20
DO
mg/1
8.1
7.3
7.1
6.9
BOD
mg/1
3.2
2.7
3.3
2.3
MPN
It, 600
> 11, 000
> 1,100
>1 1,000
P°l
0.392
0.557
o.oli.5
0.132
NH,-N*
mii/1
l.Oli
0.79
0.9U
0.91
NO,-N*
m3/l
1.15
1.1U
1.57
2.00
TS
mg/1
80
626
908
93k
SS
mg/1
15
67
103
72
Turb
10
13
26
2k
Color
17
20
15
10
PH
lab
8.30
7.81
7.71
7.75
Alk
mg/1
271.0
27U.5
255.0
283.0
Hard
mg/1
331
232
299
176
Cond.
mho's
610
720
8liO
1080
a mg/1 as nitrogen
Composite of 3 station cross section
River Flows (cfs) 1961
Snake River at Weiser
Weiser River at Weiser
Payette River at Emmett
Boise River at Boise
Brownlee Reservoir
(equivalent cfs)
August 21
August 22
August 23
August 2k
8,55o
258
l,7Uo
U70
+ 99k
8,630
230
1,720
655
- 710
8,630
251
1,790
793
- 710
8,630
2U7
1,760
820
+ 355
-------
RESULTS OF A PRELIMINARY BIOLOGICAL SURVEY
of the
SNAKE RIVER AMD TRIBUTARIES
between
Adrian, Oregon, and Weiser, Idaho
August 22-23, 1961
Biological samples were taken from the Snake River and its tributaries
betwen Adrian, Oregon, and Weiser, Idaho, supplementary to a chemical and
physical survey designed to identify general water qualities and possible
sources of pollution. From the cursory classification of biological
groups, Table I and Table II, and visual observations at each station
a few general conclusions have been drawn:
1. All of the streams observed carried excessive loadings of sediments
from irrigation return waters. The Owyhee, Malheur, and Boise
Rivers were outstanding in this respect. Also, the addition of
agricultural fertilizers and other nutrients via irrigation return
waters is suspected because of great algal blooms in most areas.
2. The Snake River carried an exceptionally heavy load of algae in
suspension. Dominant types at the time of the survey were Anabaena,
Pediastrum, Spirogyra, Aphanizomenon, Staurastrum, and Anacystis.
3. The high organic content of the Snake River can be expected to
deposit in the storage reservoirs downstream where, upon decomposition,
it will have a high B.O.D.
U. The high organic loading of algae in Snake River appears to exceed
by manyfold all sources of industrial and domestic wastes in the
study area.
-------
2.
5. Two areas of gross organic pollution were found. Bacterial slimes
blanket the bottom in both areas:
a. the Snake River on the Oregon side below the city of Ontario
b. The Payette River below the city of Payette.
6. Fish types, numbers and distribution indicate that all of the
waters surveyed were suitable for maintaining warm water fishes -
large and smallmouth bass, crappies, catfish, bluegills, carp
and suckers.
Undoubtedly the fish populations of the Malheur, Weiser, and
possibly the Owyhee Rivers are limited by high turbidities.
7. Bottom fauna productivity followed rather closely the pattern of
fish production. It was generally high in quality and quantity
except for those streams with higher turbidities and the two zones
of bacterial slime growth at Payette and Ontario.
-------
Description of Sampling Stations
of Snake River and Tributaries
Miles Location
3U8.7 Snake River - Oasis on Hwy. 30 one mile northwest of Wikiup
Gulch (bank sample).
353 Snake River - Weiser, Idaho Bridge. Three stations at ^ points
on river.
368 Snake River - Payette, Idaho Bridge. Two stations at 1/3 points
on river.
372 Snake River at Hvy. 30 Bridge in Ontario
389 Snake River at Hwy 20 Bridge in Nyssa. Two stations at 1/3
points on river.
U02 Snake River at Hwy. Bridge in Adrian.
352 Weiser River - at Hwy. 30 N. Bridge in Weiser, Idaho.
368-2 Payette River - on Hwy. Bridge £ mile south of railroad bridge.
369-1 Malheur River - l£ mile northwest of Ontario Hwy. 201 Bridge.
391-3 Boise River - Hwy. Bridge 20 and 26 near Parma, Idaho.
392-2 Owyhee River - Hwy. Bridge 201 two miles south of Owyhee.
-------
Table I
AQUATIC BISECTS - SNAKE RIVER SURVEY
August 22-23, 1961
Station
Owyhee River (1)
(Hvy 201 Br. l£ miles
north of Adrian)
8-22-61
Ovryhee River (2)
(Br. north of Adrian)
8-22-61
Snake River (3)
(^ mile above Adrian
bridge)
8-22-61
Boise River (U)
(1 mile south of
Parma)
Order
Trichoptera
Diptera
Odonata
Ephemer opt era
Mussels
Oligochaetes
Rhynchobdell ida
Diptera
Mussels
Oligochaetes
Ephemer optera
Odonata
Mussels
Snail
Trichoptera
Ephemer opt era
Rhynchobde 1 1 i da
Oligochaetes
Trichoptera
Odonata
Diptera
Ephemer opt era
Lepidoptera
Rhynch obde 1 1 i da
Family
Hydropsy ch i dae
Chrionomidae
Simuliidae
Co enagr i an i dae
Baetidae
Glossiphonidae
Simuliidae
Chrionomidae
Baetidae
Gomphidae
Hydr opsych i dae
Coenidae
Heptageniidae
Glossiphonidae
Hydr opsych i dae
Gomphidae
Chrionomidae
Simuliidae
Coenidae
Pyralididae
Glossiphoniidae
Number
2
18
2
2
1
6
6
1
6
1U
5
13
5
l
2
1
3
2U
60
5
i
U6
1
8
12
25
6
1
Oligochaetes
-------
Table II
Fish Collections
Snake River Survey
August 23, 1961
1. Owyhee River one mile upstream from Hwy. 201 bridge l£ miles
north of Adrian
Pomoxis annularis 20
Micropterus salmoides 1
Pantosteus jordani 1
Acrocheilus alutaceus 1
Ptychocheilus oregonensis 5
Lepomis macrochirus 1
Ameiurus nebulosus 1
Astacus sp. 1.
2. Snake River £ mile upstream from Adrian bridge
Pantosteus jordani 1
Ptychocheilus oregonensis 1
Micropterus dolomieui 1
3. Boise River one mile south of Parma
Pomoxis annularis 3
Micropterus salmoides 2
Richardsonius balteatus 1
Cyprinus carpio 1
Ame iurus nebulosus 1
U. Snake River l£ miles below Nyssa
Cyprinus carpio 7
Pantosteus jordani 2
Ptychocheilus oregonensis 1
5. Malheur River one mile north of Ontario at Hwy. 30 bridge
Cyprinus carpio 17
Pomoxis annularis 1
Mylocheilus caurinus 1
Ptychocheilus oregonensis 1
Richardsonius balteatus 1
6. Snake River £ mile north of Ontario
No fish found
-------
Table II Page 2.
7. Payette River k miles south of Payette, Hwy. 95> bridge
Micropterus salmoides 7
Astacus sp. 2
8. Snake River at Payette
Wo fish seining done
9. Snake River at Weiser
Micropterus salmoides 1
10. Weiser River at Weiser, Hwy. 30 bridge
No fish found
11. Snake River at Farewell Bend
No seining done
-------
Station
Order
Family
Number
Snake River (5) Mussels
Trichoptera
(l£ miles below Nyssa)
Odonata
8-22-61
Lepidoptera
Malheur River (6)
(1 mile north of
Ontario)
Snake River (7)
(^ mile north of
Ontario)
Payette River (8)
(Hwy Br. h miles
South of Payette)
Snake River (9)
(at Payette Br.)
8-23-61
Ephemeropt era
Diptera
Rhynchobde 1 1 i da
Trichoptera
Diptera
Oligochaetes
Arhynchobde 1 1 i da
Diptera
Trichoptera
Odonata
Trichoptera
Ephemeroptera
Diptera
Oligochaetes
Lepidoptera
Ephemer opter a
Trichoptera
Arhynchobdel 1 i da
Oligochaetes
Hy dr opsy ch i dae
Gomphidae
Coenagrionidae
Pyralididae
Heptageniidae
Simuliidae
Chrionomidae
Glossiphaniidae
Hy dr opsy ch i dae
Simuliidae
Chrionomidae
(earthworms)
Erpodellidae
Simuliidae
Hydropsychidae
Gomphidae
Hydr opsych i dae
Ephemeridae
Heptageniidae
Chrionomidae
Pyralididae
Heptadeniidae
Coenidae
Hydropsychidae
Erpodellidae
(earthworms)
12
209
3
3
5
66
2
U
2
29
7
6
10
8
1
2
1
20
1
U7
3
1
2
15
22
5
10
h
-------
Station
Snake River (10)
(Br. to Weiser -
Oregon side)
Weiser River (11)
(Hvy 30 Br., Weiser)
8-23-61
Order
Trichoptera
Ephemeroptera
Lepidoptera
Rhynchobde 1 1 i da
Odonata
Trichoptera
Lepidoptera
Dipt era
Oligochaetes
Lepidoptera
Ephemer opt er a
Family
Hydropsych i dae
Heptageniidae
Caen i dae
Pyralididae
Gloss iphaniidae
Gomphidae
Hydropsych i dae
Pyralididae
Chrionomidae
Tipulidae
Pyralididae
Baetidae
Ephemere 1 1 i dae
Number
Ik
78
12
3
2
2
25
26
8
3
5
1
2
10
Pelecypoda
(Mussel)
-------
REFERENCES
The following is a partial list of references to studies of reservoirs
selected mainly to establish techniques which have been used. Many of
the techniques used in lake studies can be applied to the study of re-
servoirs.
Wiebe, A. H., "Dissolved Oxygen Profiles at Norris Dam and in the Big
Creek Sector of Norris Reservoir (1937), with a Note on the Oxygen
Demand of the Water (1938)." Ohio Journal Sci., 39, No. 1 (Jan. 1939)
Wiebe, A. H., "Density Currents in Norris Reservoir." Ecology, 20, No.
3 (July 1939)
Wiebe, A. H., "The Effect of Density Currents Upon the Vertical Distri-
bution of Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen in Norris Reservoir." Ten-
nessee Academy of Science, 14, No. 3 (July 1949)
Wiebe, A. H., "Density Currents in Impounded Waters - Their Significance
from the Standpoint of Fisheries Management." Trans. 6th No. Amer.
Wildlife Conf., Amer. Wildlife Inst. (1941)
Churchill, M. A.,"Effects of Storage Impoundments on Water Quality."
Journal San. Eng. Div., Amer. Soc. Civil Engr., 83, SA 1, 1171 (1957)
"Report on Interrelated Effects of Stream Flow Regulation and Stream
Pollution on Water Quality in Upper Holston Basin 1953." Tennessee
Valley Authority, Div. Health & Safety, Chattanooga, Tenn. (Dec. 1954)
"Report on Interrelated Effects of Stream Flow Regulation and Stream
Pollution on Water Quality in Upper Holston Basin 1954-55." Tennes-
see Valley Authority, Stream Poll. Control Sect., Chattanooga, Tenn.
(June 1956)
Clark, R. N. and Kittrell, F. W., "Bacteriological Studies of Fort Loudon
Reservoir." Amer. Jour. Pub. Health, 38, No. 3 (1948)
Ellis, M. M., "Water Conditions Affecting Aquatic Life in Elephant Butte
Reservoir." U. S. Dept. Int., Bull. Bur. Fish., 49, Bulletin No. 34
(1940)
Pfitzer, D. W., "Investigations of Water Below Storage Reservoirs."
Quarter Progress Rept., Oct.-Dec. 1951, Tennessee Game and Fish Comm. ,
Nashville, Tenn. (1952)
Powell, S. T., Pritchard, D. W., and Hooper, 0. L., "Effects of Submerged
Weir Upon Quality of Water Discharged from Gaston Reservoir." Eng. Rept.
to Virginia Electric and Power Co., Roanoke Rapids, N. C. (June 1955)
-------
"Stratified Flow in Reservoirs and its Use in Preventing Siltation."
B-ll, H. S., Misc. Pub. No. 491, U. S. Dept. Agric., Soil Conserv.
Service (Sept. 1942)
"Special Report Number 1, Roanoke River Studies. A Study of the Ef-
fects of a Submerged Weir in the Roanoke Rapids Reservoir Upon Down-
stream Water Quality." Committee Report to the Subcommittee for
Operations, Roanoke River Studies, Raleigh, N. C. (Feb. 1958)
Riddick, T. M. , "Forced Circulation of Reservoir Waters." Water and
Sewage Works, 104, 6, 231 (June 1957)
Cooley, P., and Harris, S. L., "The Prevention of Stratification in
Reservoirs." Journ. Inst. Water Engr., 8, No. 7 (Nov. 1954)
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