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Extent and Duration of Cold-Water Areas Associated with Side Channels and Tributaries of the Lower Yakima River, Washington, September 2018–20

Scientific Investigations Report 2023-5140
Prepared in cooperation with Benton Conservation District
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235140

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Abstract

Previous work on the lower Yakima River, Washington (downstream from Union Gap), has identified several cold-water areas that could be thermal refuges for migrating salmonids. These cold-water areas are characterized by small tributaries that are typically cooler than the main-stem river during summer months (June–August). Twenty-seven temperature sensors were deployed along the lower 90 miles of the Yakima River at 7 locations where cold water had been previously observed. Deployments lasted from 1 to 2 years from September 2018 to September 2020 to document the extent and duration of these cold-water areas. Cold-water areas included the mouths of tributaries, alongside channels, and alcoves. Throughout summer months, main-stem river temperatures were warm, averaging about 92 days, when maximum daily temperatures exceeded 21 degrees Celsius (°C). The relationship between temperatures in the lower Yakima River and its tributaries varied seasonally; tributary water temperatures were 2–10 °C cooler than the main-stem river during summer months but 6–10 °C warmer than main-stem temperatures during winter months. The cooling effect of tributary inputs reduced downstream temperatures in the main stem by an average of 2–4 °C up to 175 feet downstream from tributary mouths. Side channel locations showed evidence of cooling, most likely from subsurface groundwater seeps, but the magnitude of cooling was less evident compared to tributaries. This study provides new information on spatial and temporal dynamics of cold-water areas on the lower Yakima River, which might provide cold-water habitat for migrating fishes in the future.

Suggested Citation

Sheibley, R.W., Appel, M., Little, R., and Foreman, J.R., 2024, Extent and duration of cold-water areas associated with side channels and tributaries of the lower Yakima River, Washington, September 2018–20: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5140, 50 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235140.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Study Area
  • Methods of Investigation
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Extent and duration of cold-water areas associated with side channels and tributaries of the lower Yakima River, Washington, September 2018–20
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2023-5140
DOI 10.3133/sir20235140
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Washington Water Science Center
Description Report: ix, 50 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Washington
Other Geospatial Lower Yakima River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details