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A method for characterizing late-season low-flow regime in the upper Grand Ronde River Basin, Oregon

Scientific Investigations Report 2016-5041
Prepared in cooperation with Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20165041

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Abstract

This report describes a method for estimating ecologically relevant low-flow metrics that quantify late‑season streamflow regime for ungaged sites in the upper Grande Ronde River Basin, Oregon. The analysis presented here focuses on sites sampled by the Columbia River Inter‑Tribal Fish Commission as part of their efforts to monitor habitat restoration to benefit spring Chinook salmon recovery in the basin. Streamflow data were provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Oregon Water Resources Department. Specific guidance was provided for selection of streamgages, development of probabilistic frequency distributions for annual 7-day low-flow events, and regionalization of the frequency curves based on multivariate analysis of watershed characteristics. Evaluation of the uncertainty associated with the various components of this protocol indicates that the results are reliable for the intended purpose of hydrologic classification to support ecological analysis of factors contributing to juvenile salmon success. They should not be considered suitable for more standard water-resource evaluations that require greater precision, especially those focused on management and forecasting of extreme low-flow conditions.

Suggested Citation

Kelly, V.J., and White, Seth, 2016, A method for characterizing late-season low-flow regime in the upper Grand Ronde River Basin, Oregon: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2016–5041, 41 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20165041.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Approach
  • Data Assembly
  • Characterization of Late-Season Low‑Flow Regime
  • Quantifying Uncertainty
  • Reliability and Limitations
  • Summary and Conclusions
  • References Cited
  • Appendixes A-F
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A method for characterizing late-season low-flow regime in the upper Grand Ronde River Basin, Oregon
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2016-5041
DOI 10.3133/sir20165041
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Oregon Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 41 p.; Appendixes A-F
Country United States
State Oregon
Other Geospatial Grande Ronde River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details