BPA Fish and Wildlife FY 1997 Proposal

Section 1. Administrative
Section 2. Narrative
Section 3. Budget

see CBFWA and BPA funding recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Title of project
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness in Delivering Upper Snake River Water for Salmon

BPA project number   9507000

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
Don Chapman Consultants, Inc.

Sponsor type   ID-Consultant

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

BPA technical contact   ,

Biological opinion ID   

NWPPC Program number   3.3B.8

Short description
The goal of this project is to determine the timing and magnitude of water emanating from the upper Snake River Basin that has been released for the purpose of enhancing migratory conditions for anadromous salmonids since 1991. The drainage upstream from Hell's Canyon and water released from Dworshak Reservoir is treated in this analysis. An assessment of the extent to which water delivery coincided with the migrational timing of ESA-listed stocks will be provided as well as an evaluation of the effects on those populations.

Project start year       End year   

Start of operation and/or maintenance   0

Project development phase   

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects

Project history
This project was initiated in FY 1996 in response to NPPC desire to confirm
the delivery of water designated for use in flow augmentation in the lower
Snake River. BPA funded Phase I of the project, which is scheduled to be
completed in 1996. Phase II and III would be conducted in 1997 and perhaps
1998, if NPPC and/or NMFS and BPA request these analyses be performed.

Biological results achieved
Analyses are just underway. There are no results as yet. The intention is
to determine the extent to which flow augmentation coincided with
migrational patterns of ESA stocks and assess the effects of those actions
on juvenile salmon by using all passage models that are readily available.
In addition to the passage models, recent research findings will be used to
assess the nature and extent of effects on both yearling and subyearling
chinook salmon.

Annual reports and technical papers
Report for Phase I is due in fall of 1996.

Management implications
Determine if the water management network within the Idaho State borders is
providing the flow augmentation called for in the NPPC plan and NMFS
Biological Opinion. Provide an assessment of the effects on ESA-listed
salmonid stocks.

Specific measureable objectives
Phase I- Document the magnitude and timing of water released for flow
augmentation below Hell's Canyon and from Dworshak Reservoir. Assess
effects on ESA stocks in Lower Snake River.
Phase II- Reconstruct the pre-development hydrograph for comparison with the
contemporary hydrograph. Describe and compare the distribution and timing
of wild ESA salmon stocks pre- and post-development. Assess the extent to
which re-establishing a pre-development hydrograph would be advantageous for
contemporary populations.
Phase III- Apply some as yet unidentified economic model to assess the
economic consequences of flow augmentation.

Testable hypothesis
Phase I- Flow augmentation flows were delivered at appropriate times and
sufficient quantities to improve the survival of juvenile and/or adult life
history stages of ESA salmon stocks.
Phase II- The distribution and migrational timing of contemporary
populations is similar to the pre-development era, thus they could be better
adapted to perform under a pre-development hydrograph.

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints
Phase I-
1. Recent migration research findings and/or passage models permit
sound/reasonable assessments of flow augmentation effects.
2. USGS data accurately re-presents stream flows.
3. Flow segregation in the Snake is based on IPC computations that are
assumed to be accurate.

Phase II-
1. Distribution and timing of wild chinook and sockeye stocks during the
pre-development era can be reasonably described, or inferred.
2. Flow segregation models accurately represent prevailing conditions in
the Snake River.

Phase III-
1. Existing economic models as applied in the Snake Basin are sound and can
be extended to include the Clearwater drainage.

Methods
Phase I- Direct accounting and evaluation of reported flow volumes
discharged in the Snake and Clearwater rivers, using USGS records as a
foundation. Documenting flow augmentation volumes above base flows. Compile
data into annual files that identify base and fish flow components for input
to biological models.

Phase II- Existing models will be evaluated as to suitability. If they are
deficient they will be adapted or recrafted for application.

Phase III- Recognized economic models will be used in the studies. Social
impacts will be conducted using standard EIS procedure and format.

Brief schedule of activities
Phase I complete in 1996
Phase II initiate and likely complete in 1997.
Phase II initiate in 1997 complete in 1998.

Biological need
Ensure that the water requested under the NMFS Biological Opinion is being
delivered in the form of flow augmentation for anadromous fish.

Critical uncertainties

Summary of expected outcome
Document extent to which flow augmentation is being delivered in terms of
volume and timing.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation
Phases II and III will proceed only if directed by NPPC and BPA.

Risks

Monitoring activity

Section 3. Budget

* For most projects, Authorized is the amount recommended by CBFWA and the Council. Planned is amount currently allocated. Contracted is the amount obligated to date of printout.

Funding recommendations

CBFWA funding review group   Mainstem

Recommendation    Tier 2 - fund when funds available

Recommended funding level   $180,000