Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5019
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5019
A one-dimensional hydraulic-flow model of a 105.6 kilometer reach of the Kootenai River in Idaho was developed to aid in evaluating hydraulic characteristics in the reach. Concerned with enhancing spawning conditions of the white sturgeon in the Kootenai River, biologists need the ability to evaluate hydraulic effects of changes in river discharge and water-surface elevations in Kootenay Lake, especially in the braided and canyon reaches. The extension of the white sturgeon spawning habitat reach into the braided and (or) canyon reaches is under consideration because streambed materials (gravels and cobbles) of these reaches are suitable for white sturgeon spawning. Whereas, the meander reach is composed primarily of sand, which is unsuitable for spawning.
A previously developed one-dimensional hydraulic model of the study area was used to simulate water-surface elevations, flow depths, and flow velocities that are needed for possible extension of the white sturgeon spawning habitat reach into the braided and (or) canyon reaches. The model was used to simulate steady conditions associated with various river discharges and water-surface elevations in Kootenay Lake. River discharges ranged from 6,000 to 75,000 cubic feet per second, and water-surface elevations in Kootenay Lake ranged from 531.32 to 537.09 meters.
Simulations showed that as river discharge increases, water-surface elevations, flow depths, and flow velocities increases. Generally, flow depths in the meander reach are greater than flow depths in the braided and canyon reaches, and flow velocities in the braided reach are greater than flow velocities in the canyon and meander reaches. Flow velocities usually are lowest in the meander reach.
For more information about USGS activities in Idaho, visit the USGS Idaho Water Science Center home page .
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
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