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Riparian plant community structure in a managed hydrological regime

By: , , and 

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Abstract

The hydrology of the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park is partly determined by releases from Jackson Lake Dam. The dam was first built in 1908 and became part of the National Park system when GTNP was expanded to include most of Jackson Hole. Completion of the present structure of Jackson Lake Dam occurred in 1917 and resulted in an increase above the natural level of Jackson Lake of 11.9 m. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) manages the dam and sets discharge schedules, primarily to meet agricultural needs, and to a lesser extent the needs of recreational river use. Major changes to the hydrological regime of the Snake River include lower than natural peak releases, decrease in frequency of extreme flood events , and unusually high flows from July to September. In addition , peak releases prior to 1957 were not synchronized with spring runoff but shifted to July or early August. Changes in inundation frequencies of floodplains , inundation duration and timing of peak flows have profound effects on the extent and composition of the riparian zone.

Study Area

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Riparian plant community structure in a managed hydrological regime
Volume 31
Year Published 2008
Language English
Publisher University of Wyoming-National Park Service Research Center
Contributing office(s) Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
Description 2 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype Federal Government Series
Larger Work Title University of Wyoming National Park Service Research Center annual report
First page 115
Last page 116
Country United States
State Wyoming
Other Geospatial Grand Teton National Park, Snake River
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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