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Geomorphic Classification Framework for Assessing Reproductive Ecology of Scaphirhynchus albus (Pallid Sturgeon), Fort Peck Segment, Upper Missouri River, Montana and North Dakota

Scientific Investigations Report 2023-5109
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri River Recovery Program
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235109

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Abstract

The segment of the Upper Missouri River between Fort Peck Dam and the headwaters of Lake Sakakawea is home to a population of the endangered Scaphirhynchus albus (pallid sturgeon). Lack of population growth (recruitment failure) has been attributed to inadequate dispersal distance of larvae between spawning locations and the headwaters of Lake Sakakawea, where conventional wisdom holds that anoxic water-quality conditions are lethal to larval sturgeon. River-management objectives to recover pallid sturgeon in this segment therefore focus on increasing available drift distance, decreasing drift rate, increasing larval development rate, or a combination of these objectives. Understanding of channel morphological conditions along this about 400-kilometer segment may provide insight into upstream spawning habitat potential (where sturgeon likely spawn) and into geomorphic factors that may contribute to flow complexity, hence drift rate. This report documents a continuous geomorphic classification of the Fort Peck segment of the Upper Missouri River using remotely sensed datasets to provide contextual information about spatial variations potentially affecting pallid sturgeon reproductive ecology.

Suggested Citation

Jacobson, R.B., Elliott, C.M., and Bulliner, E., 2023, Geomorphic classification framework for assessing reproductive ecology of Scaphirhynchus albus (pallid sturgeon), Fort Peck segment, Upper Missouri River, Montana and North Dakota: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5109, 15 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235109.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Longitudinal Geomorphic Classification Approach and Methods
  • Results
  • Geomorphic Classification and Pallid Sturgeon Reproductive Ecology
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geomorphic classification framework for assessing reproductive ecology of Scaphirhynchus albus (pallid sturgeon), Fort Peck segment, Upper Missouri River, Montana and North Dakota
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2023-5109
DOI 10.3133/sir20235109
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Columbia Environmental Research Center
Description Report: vi, 15 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Montana, North Dakota
Other Geospatial Fort Peck segment, Upper Missouri River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details