staff report - nevada irrigation district · 2019-10-10 · -1 - staff report for the engineering...

- 1 -

Staff Report for the Engineering Committee Meeting of October 15, 2019

TO: Engineering Committee

FROM: Gary D. King PE, PhD, Engineering Manager

DATE: October 8, 2019

SUBJECT: Salmon Spawning and Water Quality Surveys in the Auburn Ravine (FATR #7032)

ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: Review and discuss the 2017-2018 Salmon Spawning and Water Quality Surveys in Auburn Ravine near the Hemphill Diversion Facility.

BACKGROUND: HELIX Environmental has completed the Salmon Spawning and Water Quality Surveys in Auburn Ravine. The purpose of this item is to review the study and discuss the results of the 2017-2018 seasons with the Engineering Committee prior to placing on the Districts website.

BUDGETARY IMPACT: No budget impact

GDK

Attachment: • Salmon Spawning and Water Quality Surveys in Auburn Ravine

Nevada Irrigation District

HELIX Environmental Ptanning

Salmon Spawning and Water

Quality Surveys in Auburn Ravine

Results of Two Seasons (2017 and 2018) of Surveys on Auburn Ravine near Hemphill Diversion Facility, Nevada Irrigation District

August 2019 | NID-06

Prepared for:


Dr. Gary D. King, PE, PhD

Engineering Manager 1036 W. Main Street

Grass Valley, CA 95945-5424

Prepared by:

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.

11 Natoma Street, Suite 155 Folsom, CA 95630

Salmon Spawning and Water Quality Surveys in Auburn Ravine

Results of Two Seasons (2017 and 2018) of Surveys on Auburn

Ravine near Hemphill Diversion Facility, Nevada Irrigation District

Prepared for:


Dr. Gary D. King, PE, PhD Engineering Manager

1036 W. Main Street Grass Valley, CA 95945-5424

Prepared by:

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. 11 Natoma Street Suite 155

Folsom, CA 95630

August 2019 I NID-06

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Background ......................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Project Purpose ................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 METHODS ......................................................................................................................................... l

2.1 Water Quality ...................................................................................................................... 2

2.2 Spawner Surveys .................................................................................................................. 2

3.0 RESULTS ........................................................................................................................................... 3

3.1 Auburn Ravine Streamflows ............................................................................................... 3

3.2 2017 Survey Season ............................................................................................................ 5

3.3 2018 Survey Season ... " ....................................................................................................... 6

4.0 DISCUSSION ........................... , .......................................................................................................... 7

5.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 10

LIST OF APPENDICES

A Redd Pot, Tail and Depth Measurements

B Representative Photos

TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.)

LIST OF FIGURES

Follows Page

1 Project Location ............................................................................................................................... 2

2 Reach AR 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 2

3 Reach AR 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 2

4 Reach AR 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 2

5 Reach AR 4 ....................................................................................................................................... 2

6 Auburn Ravine Streamflow During 2017 Survey Period. No data indicates flow over 200 cfs ....... 4

7 Auburn Ravine Streamflow During 2018 Survey Period. No data indicates flow over 200 cfs ....... 4

8 Locations of Live Adult Chinook Salmon and Redds Observed During 2017 Survey,

Auburn Ravine .................................................................................................................................. 6

9 Locations of Beaver Dams During 2018 Survey, Auburn Ravine ..................................................... 8

LIST OF TABLES

No. Title

1 Auburn Ravine Salmonid Redd Survey 2017-2018 Water Quality ................................................... 5

2 Auburn Ravine Salmonid Redd Survey 2018-2019 Water Quality ................................................... 6

ii

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AR

CDFW

cfs

EPA

mg/L

NID

NTU

ppt

SWRCB

SWAMP

TAG

µS/cm

Auburn Ravine

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

cubic feet per second

Environmental Protection Agency

milligrams per liter


Nephelometric Turbidity Unit

parts per thousand

California State Water Resources Control Board

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program

Technical Advisory Group

milliSiemens per cm

iii

This page intentionally left blank

iv

Salmon Spawning and Water Quality Surveys in Auburn Ravine I August 2019

1.0

1.1

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

In December 2011, Nevada Irrigation District (NID) completed Phase 1 of the Auburn Ravine Fish

Passage Enhancement Project and fish passage improvements at the Lincoln Gauging Station (also

known as the Hwy 65 gauge). Following completion of fish passage improvements by NID at the Lincoln

Gauging Station, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) conducted three years of spawning

surveys (2012, 2013, and 2014) of Central Valley fall run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

evolutionarily significant unit (ESU). The purposes of these surveys were to evaluate project-related

affects to Chinook salmon escapement (i.e., size and distribution of spawner population) and to develop

an index of annual redd (i.e., egg nest) abundance, distribution, and periodicity. Surveys were conducted

each year along seven miles of Auburn Ravine, including a two-mile reach downstream of Hemphill

Diversion Facility (known as Reach AR 1), and three reaches upstream of the diversion facility that

together total approximately five miles (AR 2, AR 3, and AR 4). The results of these earlier surveys

indicated that improvements completed by NID at the gauging station allowed salmon to reach seven

miles of historic spawning grounds. The majority of redds (n=65) were observed within the two-mile

reach between the gauging station and Hemphill Diversion (Reach AR 1). However, immediately

following high flow events in 2012 and 2014, five redds were observed in the upper two reaches (AR 3

and AR 4). This indicates a potential barrier to upstream passage occurs at Hemphill Diversion Facility

when flows are unsuitable to allow passage (suggested by Hoobler 2015 to be less than 150 cubic feet

per second [cfs] during an unspecified time, currently characterized as several days).

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX) was contracted by NID to conduct subsequent salmonid

spawner surveys in Auburn Ravine in the vicinity of Hemphill Diversion Facility during two migratory

seasons; 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. These surveys were conducted in the same manner as previously

conducted by CDFW utilizing the methodology described by Hoobler (2015).

1.2 PROJECT PURPOSE

The recently-completed salmonid surveys included Chinook salmon, and secondarily, Central Valley

steel head (Oncorhynchus mykiss) spawning surveys to further understand existing conditions near the

Hemphill Diversion Facility relative to indications that the facility potentially acts as a partial barrier to

upstream fish passage. Information from these studies will inform NID and its planning partners,

including an inter-disciplinary Technical Advisory Group (TAG), in evaluating options for additional

improvements, including the potential removal of the Hemphill Diversion Facility, to further improve

Chinook salmon and steel head passage, spawning and juvenile rearing in Auburn Ravine.

2.0 METHODS

The project includes two major work efforts; 1) collection of water quality data to determine whether

water quality is suitable for salmon id migration and egg incubation, and 2) collection of spawner

abundance and distribution data, including live adult Chinook salmon and redds (egg nests), through two

migratory seasons.

HELIX EnriltJnmonllll Plannlfffl

1


2,1 WATER QUALITY

Water quality-chemistry parameters and protocols are identified in the California State Water Resource

Control Board's (SWRCB) Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) protocols (Ode et al.

2016). These protocols are also recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to produce

standardized measurements of ambient water quality chemistry to support interpretation of biologicaldata (i.e., fish spawning).

SWAMP-required ambient water-chemistry parameters measured in the field include

Turbidity (NTU)

Water temperature ('C)

Specific conductivity (US/cm)

Salinity (ppt)pH

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L and % saturation)

Water quality must be sampled in a manner that precludes interference with other sampling efforts, so

that water samples are not compromised. Therefore, water quality sampling was conducted prior toentering the stream to conduct the fish surveys and it included the above parameters. Samplingoccurred at both Reach AR L (downstream of Hemphill Diversion Facility) and upstream of the facility.Time of day of all water quality measurements was noted, as were any other observations that mayhave affected water quality. Water quality sampling was conducted with a regularly-calibrated YSI

handheld multi-parameter water quality meter and sonde (ProDSS@).

The parameters listed above are the primary parameters necessary to evaluate effects of water qualityto upstream migrating adult Chinook salmon and steelhead. Temperature and dissolved oxygen are key

components, and both could be compromised by instream or riparian disturbance, including point ornon-point source input. ln addition to the turbidity measurements collected at each station, an

assessment of water visibility/clarity for each fish/redd observation was noted.

2.2 SPAWNER SURVEYS

CDFW conducted three years (2072,2013 and 201-4) of fall run Chinook salmon spawning surveysfollowing NlDs completion of fish passage improvements at the Lincoln Gauging Station in 2011toevaluate affects to escapement and to develop an index of annual redd abundance, distribution, andperiodicity. Current spawner surveys were conducted following the protocols established by CDFW from2012 through 2OL4, and as described in the CDFW Memorandum from Sean Hoobler to MaryLisa Lynch,

dated September 14, 20L5. These protocols were informed by Duffy (2005), and Gallagher and Gallagher(2005). However, surveys were also conducted for live steelhead and their redds.

The HELIX sampling protocols called for two field crews consisting of two biologists each to conduct fieldsurveys through the four reaches of Auburn Ravine (AR 1, AR 2, AR 3, and AR 4) with each crew coveringapproximately 3.5 miles each of Auburn Ravine per survey day (Figures I,2,3,4 and 5). All redds wereto be identified as to species and measured (pot and tail spill dimensions, dominant and subdominantsubstrate, water depth, mean water column velocity, and GPS location) and any fish activity associatedwith each redd described in detail. All redds were to be flagged with surveyor tape on the nearest treeor shrub branch, along with date and species, to avoid double counting among surveys. ln addition,

HELr.XEñlrvuÌrîlå/nñWt

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Water Qual and Fish Studies in Auburn Ravine

Source: Esri 2017. USGS

HEL'X Projecl Locolion

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Reach 1

Water and Fish Studies in Auburn Ravine

0 1,000 Feet

+

HEL'X

Sourcer Esri 201.7

Reach AR 1Env ¡ ronm e ntal Plan n¡n g

Figure 2

Water Qu and Fish Studies in Auburn Ravine

Reach AR 2HEL'XEnvircnmental Planníng

Figure 3

Reach 3

Water Qual and Fish Studies in Auburn Ravine

0 700 Feet

HEL'X

Sourcèi Esri 2017

Reach AR 3Env ¡ ronn e ntal Plan n¡ n g

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Reach 4

Water and Fìsh Studìes ¡n Auburn Ravine

0 600 Feet

HEL'X

Source: Esri 2017

Reach AR 4Env ironm ental Plan n¡ n g

Figure 5

Salmon Spawning and Water Quality Surveys in Auburn Ravine I August 20L9

observations of all live adult Chinook salmon and steelhead were to be noted with GPS location, along

with sex (if possible), estimated fork length, and habitat characteristics. During each survey, the crewspent at least 30 minutes observing conditions immediately below Hemphill Diversion Facility, detailingattempts to pass over the facility. A detailed photo log of all observations was maintained.

To facilitate estimation of seasonal female escapement, the field surveys were conducted every otherweek for a total of up to L0 surveys per year. This frequency has been determined by the previous

survey efforts conducted by CDFW (and as described in Gallagher and Gallagher 2005) as being

adequate to identify all newly constructed redds (i.e., those constructed since the survey immediatelyprior to the current survey, or within 14 days) for comparison to older redds, as well as to determineredd longevity. Prior surveys also recommend initiation of surveys in early/mid-October (or within twoweeks prior to October l-5, when flashboards at Coppin Dam have previously been removed). Surveys

occurred every other week until no redds or salmon were observed during two consecutive surveys(estimated to be late December to early February, depending upon the water year).

The record of redd deposition was compared with the flow record to allow an assessment of successfulupstream passage by flow rate, especially when added to the existing three-year record (2012-2OL4).

3.0 RESULTS

3.1 AUBURN RAVINE STREAMFLOWS

Streamflow stage (elevation) in Auburn Ravine is recorded from the Highway 65 gaging station, ownedand operated by NlD, located near the Highway 65 overcrossing. However, the rating curve is onlycalculated for streamflows under 200 cfs (roughly, stream stage of 1.5 ft). Streamflows greater than200 cfs are not indicated on the flow charts (Figures 6 and 7).

When surveys were initiated by HELIX on October 25,2017 , base streamflow was about 10 cfs (Figure 6).

Minor rain events that occurred during the first and second weeks of November resulted in slightincreases in streamflow (to about 12 cfs on November 1, about 22 cfs on November 4, about 26 cfs onNovember 10, and about 37 cfs on November 14). The first major storm event of the season occurred onNovember 76,20t7, and streamflow increased by at least several hundred cfs (stream stage peaked at2.L6 fI compared to stream stage of 0.20 ft at 10 cfs).

After a relatively mild storm event occurred on November 30, streamflow peaked at about 80 cfs, and

then receded to less than 20 cfs. Other than a brief increase to 120 cfs on January 6, streamflowsremained lower than seasonally normal until the next major storm event occurred on January 8 and 9,

when stage peaked at 2.9 ft.

During the second season of survey, base streamflow was about 8 cfs when surveys were initiated onNovember t4,2Ot8 (Figure 7), Minor rain events occurred duringthe middle of Octoberthat resulted in

slight increases in streamflow (to about 26.9 cfs on October 16, 2018), returning to 7.2 cfs by

October 22. A rain event occurred on November 23, resulting in peak streamflow oî 76.6 cfs, however,the first major storm event of the season did not occur until November 29 and 30,2078, resulting in

streamflows over 200 cfs. The next major storm event that increased flow to greater than 200 cfs

occurred on January 6, after which streamflows remained high with 13 additional days of streamflowsgreater than 200 cfs followed by additional storm events that increased streamflows over 200 cfs intoFebruary.

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Auburn Ravine 2Ol7-2OtB Stream flow (cfs)

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Salmon Spawning and Water Quality Surveys in Auburn Ravine I August 20L9

Figure 6. Auburn Ravine Streamflow During 2017 Survey Period. No data indicates flow over 200 cfs.

Figure 7. Auburn Ravine Streamflow During 2018 Survey Period. No data indicates flow over 200 cfs.

Auburn Ravine 2018-2019 stream flow (cfs)

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3.2 2017 SURVEY SEASON

This section describes the results of the first season (20L7-20L8) of spawner surveys. Surveys werebegun on October 25,2017 and extended through February 13,2018, a total of nine surveys. Waterquality parameters for each survey event are presented in Table L.

Table 1

AUBURN RAVINE SALMONID REDD SURVEY 2OT7.2OL8 WATER QUALITY

SurveyWeek

Turbidity(Nru)

1,

I2

2

3

3

10.6

1

0.6

0.1

0.9

0.9

5

5

5

6

0.3

0.8

0.8

t.28.4

10.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.9

4

44

r.61.1

2.6

7.7

0.7

1.3

0.6

0.7

0.3

0.1

7

7

6

6

7

7

7

8

8

9

9

9

Spot water temperature measurements ranged from a high of 16,9' C (October 25,2017) to a low of7.1' C (December 6, 20L7) during the length of the survey period. Spot dissolved oxygen measurementsranged from a high of 96.8 percent saturation (December 20,2OI7l to a low of 87.1percent saturation(February 13, 20L8) indicating good conditions relative to dissolved oxygen concentration. Measuredvalues for all other parameters indicated good water quality conditions suitable for salmonid passage

and egg incubation in Auburn Ravine during the 2017 migratory period.

The first observation of Chinook salmon spawners occurred during the survey of November 21 (aboutone week after the first major storm event) when four adult salmon were observed in Reach AR 1

downstream of Hemphill Diversion Facility (Figure 8). No redds were observed during that survey. Thenext observation of adult salmon occurred during the subsequent survey of December 8, when two

HELf'XEnd¡waîàtgmti'l,

5

McBean Park

Hemphill

McBean Park

McBean Park

Fowler Rd

McBean Park

McBean Park

McBean Park

McBean Park

Fowler Rd

McBean Park

McBean Park

Fowler Rd

McBean Park

McBean Park

Fowler Rd

McBean Park

McBean Park

Fowler Rd

McBean Park

McBean Park

McBean Park

McBean Park

McBean Park

McBean Park

WaterQualityStat¡on

McBean Park

Date

2113/20182/13/20182/73/2078t/3r/20181131,/2078

7/37/2078rh7/2018rl77/20781/76/2018rh6/201,8r/16/2078r/3/20187/3/2018t/3/2018

12/20/201712/20/201772/20/201712/6/201712/6/201712/6/2017

11"/21,/2017

t7/2r/2017rr/8/2017LL/8/2017r0/2s/2017t0/2s/2017

7..20

6:55

12"I57:30

7:00

12:30

7:30

72:45

7:35

t2:307:30

ïme

10:40

7:307:05

77:45

7'.20

7:00

11:00

7:05

11:45

7:20

7:00

12:20

7:20

7:I012:00

8.1

7.9

7.8

9.2

8.4

8.8

10.8

t0.777.2

10.8

10.8

8.9

8.2

8.5

8.6

8.4

8.7

8

7,7

7.4

13.1

12.5

12

11.3

15.6

16.9

WaterTemp("c)

94

92.4

89.6

90.2

89.3

93.3

94.3

93.4

92.7

DO

l%t

98.3

91.9

87.1

96.7

92.3

9t.r92.3

90.7

92.6

90.6

9r.299

88.889

96.8

89.7

89.4

8.98

DO

(me/t)

11.6

10.88

10.37

70.94

10.82

r0.5770.2

10.06

70.74

10.09

10.11

LL.28

t0.4410.4

11..29

10.51

70.4

1,1.1"1"

11.18

10.77

9.48

9.5

10.04

8.62

9.3

196.9

198.6

191.8

225.9

225.7

227.2

2r8.8220.7

279.1

219.5

272.9

183

185.8

181.5

195

198.2

191.1

194.2

792.9

200.9

186.1

171.

I75.1148.1.

L47.2

1,42.2

Conductivity(uS/cm)

8.32

8.87

8.43

8.62

8.s38.2

pH

8.61

8.378.8

8.568.49

8.83

8.39

8.6s8.29

8.19

8.8

8.348.1

8.69

8.29

8.15

8.62

8.32

8.33

8.86


salmon that appeared to be inlt¡ating redd construction were observed in Reach AR 1 (see Figure 8). lnaddition, a single, completed redd was observed in Reach AR l-, from which a full suite of descriptivemeasurements was collected (Appendix A). A photo of this redd is presented in Appendix B, photo 12.

This was the only completed redd observed during the 2017 season. No other salmon were observed

du ring the remainder of the surveys. Descriptive data from the single redd observed in 2017 continuedto be collected during surveys of December 20, January 3, and January L6,2018. This is consistent withfindings by Hoobler (2015) who stated that redds in Auburn Ravine were typically observable for fiveweeks after construction. The location of the constructed redd and the redd under construction (not

completed) were located within the area of the highest density of redds constructed and observed

during the 2012 through 2014 surveys (Hoobler 2015).

3.3 2018 SURVEY SEASON

This section describes the results of the second survey season (2018-2019). Surveys were begun on

November L4,2OI8 and extended through January 25,20t9, a total of six surveys were completed.Water quality parameters for each survey event are presented in Table 2.

Table 2

AUBURN RAVINE SALMONID REDD SURVEY 2OT8-20L9 WATER QUALITY

SurveyWeek

Turbidity(Nru)

2.2

3.5

2.4

2.2

2.2

2

1.9

2.4

2.2

A

7.7

77.2

4.7

2.8

3.0

1.5

2.8

1.9

Spot water temperature measurements ranged from a high of L2.7" C (November 28,20L8lrto a low of7.4' C (November 1-4, 201-8) during the length of the survey period. Spot dissolved oxygen

measurements ranged from a high of 99.5 percent saturation (January 23,20L9) to a low of 82.6 percent

saturation (November 28,2OtB), indicating good conditions relative to dissolved oxygen concentration.Measured values for all other parameters indicted that water quality conditions in Auburn Ravine duringthe 2018 migratory period were suitable for salmonid passage and egg incubation. However, no adultsalmonids or redds were observed during the entire 2018-2019 survey period.

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1

1

1"

2

2

3

3

4

5

5

5

5

6

6

6

6

3

6

Water

StationQuality

McBean

McBean

Gold Hill

FowlerMcBean

McBean

HemphillGold Hill

No Data

McBean

McBean

HemphillMcBean

McBean

HemphillMcBean

McBean

HemphillL7/14/2078t1,/1,412018

Date

1/2s/2019r/2s/20791"/23/20197/23/2079r/tu2o7s7/rr/2019tl9/20t97/s/2019

12/26/201812h2/20181.2/1.2/2018

72h2/201811"/28/201.8

rr/28/2018Iu28/201811,/14/2018 72:-00

7:50

7:20

Time

12:00

8:00

10:30

8:00I2'.15

7:40

12:30

7:00

N/A71,:45

7"45

7:30

12:00

7:45

7:30

8.2

12.7

72.1

12.2

8.3

7.6

7.4

WaterTemp

{"c)

9.1

8.2

8.7

8.6

r0.410.3

11.5

LIN/A8.8

8.1

8s

82.6

96.s89.5

87.3

DO

l%l

96.6

96.6

99.5

99.7

95.7

95.5

97.5

96.9

N/A92.6

91.3

91.1

87.6

N/AL0.75

70.76

r0.79.28

9.L4

8.88

11.34

10.69

10.35

DO

(melt)

17.L4

1L.22

11.59

11.61

10.65

r0.8710.63

10.67

216.0

215.8

207.8

200.3

196.5

183.3

228.rN/A

782.1

193

191.8

\7L.9772.1

174137.4

138.2

138.7

Conductivity(uS/cm)

276.9

8.7

8.2

8.3

7.6

7.4

pH

9.1

8.2

8.7

8.6

8.4

8.3

8.5

8

N/A

8.1

8.2

O Chinook Salmon Redd

O Chinook Salmon

ô

Water and Fish Studies in Auburn Ravine

Sourcer Esri 2017

ô

!Þ

t

0 600 Feet

HEL'XLocations of Live Adult Chinook Salmon and Redds

Observed Durinq 2017 Survey, Auburn RavineEnvircnmental Planning

Figure 8

Salmon Spawning and Water Quality Surveys in Auburn Ravine I August 201-9

4.O DTSCUSSTON

Due to the paucity of Chinook salmon and steelhead spawning escapement and resultant data collectedduring The 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 surveys, no further conclusions regarding flow requirements forpassage in Auburn Ravine, especially over Hemphill Diversion Facility, can be drawn beyond thosereported in Hoobler (2015). The three years of CDFW surveys in Auburn Ravine (2012,2013 and 2014'),

showed that salmon escapement can be highly variable; 45 redds were observed in 201"2, one redd was

obserued in 2013, and 24 redds were observed in 2O'J.4. Similar to the results of the current surveys in

201-8 and 2019, only 4 live Chinook salmon were observed during the 2013 survey conducted by CDFW.

Both the constructed redd and the redd observed to be under construction (never completed) duringthe current survey were found within the range of the highest density of redds constructed and

observed during the 2012 through 2014 surveys (Hoobler 2015), indicating a preferred site fidelity forChinook salmon redd construction in Reach ARI- in Auburn Ravine.

During the year priorto the current surveys (from October2OL6 through April21l7l, CDFW in

collaboration with Friends of Auburn Ravine (a non-profit group interested in the protection of naturalhabitats in western Placer County watersheds), City of Lincoln, and NID conducted a video monitoringsurvey in Auburn Ravine in the vicinity of Highway 65 (McKibbin et al. 2018). This was the pilot year ofvideo monitoring, focusing on data relative to native adult anadromous fish species composition,enumeration, and temporal distribution in Auburn Ravine. A total of 303 Chinook salmon, of which 193

were adult and 1-10 were grilse, were counted passing upstream of that location, further indicting thedegree of annual variability of salmon escapement in Auburn Ravine.

The results of the current two spawner surveys conducted during 2Ot7 and 20L8 spawning seasons

were comparable to those performed by Friends of Auburn Ravine. Though the Friends of AuburnRavine surveyed a slightly different area (Highway 65 to Hemphill Diversion Facility) from that surveyedduring the current project, they also observed very few (about 10) spawners in 2017 and zero spawnersin 201-8. Reasons for the poor escapement in Auburn Ravine during both migratory periods are thoughtto be flow rated, especially a function of the lack of early fall storm events in both 2017 and 20L8 thatact to attract Chinook salmon into Auburn Ravine to spawn. ln addition, drought conditions that hadpersisted during the previous few years likely contributed to poor production of smolt salmon fromAuburn Ravine spawners due to unsuitable egg incubation and juvenile rearing conditions. Smolt refers

to the process of smoltification, whereby young salmon undergo physiological changes for facilitatingtheir transition from freshwater to salt water during active outmigration.

The cause of the extremely low escapement of Chinook salmon spawners in 2017 and zero spawners in2018 into Auburn Ravine is primarily the result of the absence of storm events during the criticalmigratory period compounded with the negative effects of drought on Chinook salmon production

during previous years. However, many other factors may secondarily affect the abundance anddistribution of spawning Chinook salmon in Auburn Ravine, including the presence of beaver dams, log

and debris jams, other passage barriers, and fish predators. A review of long-term salmon escapementdatasets from other streams in Placer County (such as Dry Creek) and elsewhere indicates that naturalannualvariability in salmon escapement can be quite large.

Upstream passage of adult salmon in Auburn Ravine to upstream spawning grounds could be affectedby the presence of beaver dams, especially during periods of low flow. North American beavers (Costor

canødensis) construct dams and impound water throughout Auburn Ravine. Beavers were observed

HEL'XEñlúvnanþl Pliltdtiflt


throughout all reaches, however were most abundant in AR 1 (Appendix B). Adult salmon that enterAuburn Ravine during higher streamflow levels after major storm events may become at leasttemporarily trapped in holding pools downstream of Hemphill Diversion Facility, and also downstreamof beaver dams during a rapidly declining hydrograph, potentially causing delay in migration until thenext large storm event occurs. lt is generally assumed that streamflows high enough to attract salmon toascend Auburn Ravine would cause enough damage to beaver dams to allow passage. However, resultsof the two years of survey indicated that this is not always the case. Four beaver dams were observedalong Auburn Ravine during the 2018 survey season; two dams were substantial and could potentiallyblock upstream migration of Chinook salmon (Beaver Dams 2 and 4, Figure 9). Beaver Dam 2 was moresubstantial but was washed out by the survey conducted on December L3,2OtB and likely passable by

migrating salmon after the rain event on November 30, 20L8. Beaver Dam 4 was the most substantialbeaver dam in reach AR L and remained intact throughout the entire survey effort. However, BeaverDam 4 was likely passable following major rain events that exceeded 200 cfs on January 6 and 7 andJanuary 9 and 10. The other two dams (Beaver Dam 1 and Beaver Dam 3) were partially constructed andwere washed out after the first rain event on November 23'd.

ln summary, during the 2017 spawning season, beaver dams were present during the early migrationperiod but were generally passable after the high flow event that occurred on November 18. During the20L8 spawning season, one major beaver dam (#a) located approximately 500 yards downstream of theHemphill Diversion Facility in AR 1 was intact during most of the migration period, at least until themajor storm event that occurred on January 6. Prior to this storm event, the dam would likely haveprevented upstream migration. The remaining beaver dams and debris jams in AR L were at leastpartially washed out during the storms in November and early December 2018.

Other potential barriers to salmon migration, especially during periods of low flow, include largeboulders and log jam debris. Ten large rocky outcrop complexes are present in the upper section ofreach AR L, approximately 0.25 mile downstream of the Hemphill Diversion Facility (see Appendix B).

These rock outcrops do not necessarily prevent upstream passage over moderate streamflows,however, they alter the flow of the stream which results in the redistribution of materials and scour ofthe streambed and banks of Auburn Ravine. Most rock outcrops do not span the entire width of thestream but are situated on the edges ofthe stream and extend about halfway into the channel. Deepersections of the stream are formed behind the rocks during periods of high flow and fine sediments aredeposited in areas between the outcrops.

River otters (Lontra conodensis), otter slides, and otter tracks were observed during most surveys in

2Ot7 and 2018. Other fish predators including raccoon (Procyon lotor), American mink (Neovision visonl,great blue heron (Ardea herodiosl, and great egret (Ardea olbol were observed incidentally duringsurveys. ln 2017, Chinook salmon fins were obserued on gravel bars, indicating at least one or moreChinook salmon individuals had been preyed upon by otters or by other predators. No Chinook salmonparts were observed in 2018. Fish predators generally have a larger impact on Chinook salmon duringlow flow periods (as occurred in 2017 and 20L8) when fish cover is reduced.

Chinook salmon escapement in other Central Valley streams was notably reduced during the two years

of survey, further indictive of regional unsuitable passage flows in spawning tributaries during thecritical upstream migratory period. Spawner data from Dry Creek is presented as a comparison ofChinook salmon spawning between two streams in Placer County. The Dry Creek Conservancy organizesan annual salmon spawner survey conducted by volunteers in Dry Creek (Placer County) and its majortributaries after the first major storm event of the season and lasting until fish are no longer observed.

HELl'XEnvtroú¡''tbl Plaffiiilt

I

o Beaver Dam

Water Qual and Fish Studies in Auburn Ravlne

+Source: Esrl 2017

0 1,500 Feet

HEL'X 2018 Survey, Auburn RavineEnvircnmental Plann¡ng

Locations of Beaver Dams DuringFigure 9


There is a varied level of effort each year, however, these data give a good estimate of relativeescapement (number of adult spawners in the river) size and timing of adult upstream migration and

spawning in a nearby stream.

During 2017 (November 24 through December 1), 52 spawning Chinook salmon and 56 redds wereobserved in Dry Creek. ln 2018 (November 26 through December 7), 40 spawning Chinook salmon and

49 redds were observed throughout the Dry Creek Watershed. Only 20 spawning salmon were observed

in 2016 (November 4 through December 13) and 29 spawning salmon (December L8 through December

30) in 2015. The low number of spawners in Dry Creek in 2016 was notable because greater numbers

were observed in Auburn Ravine that year by the Friends of Auburn Ravine, which indicates the high

variability of salmon escapement by stream and among years.

ln summary, six adult Chinook salmon were observed in 2017 along with one redd, and no Chinooksalmon adults or redds were observed during the 2018 surveys in Auburn Ravine. Juvenile and adultrainbow lrouL (Oncorhynchus mykissl, as well as Sacramento sucker (Cotostomus occidentalisoccidentalisJ and Sacramento pikeminn ow (Ptychocheilus grandis) were observed during all surveys

throughout Auburn Ravine and often in abundance, further alluding to the suitability of water quality

conditions in Auburn Ravine forfish production.

HELr'XE n¡rtrrnmb¡ Plnnkt

9


5.0 REFERENCES

Duffy, Walter G. 2005. Protocols for Monitoring the Response of Anadromous Salmon and Steelhead toWatershed Restoration in California. Prepored for: California Department of Fish and Game,

Salmon and Steelhead Trout Restoration Account, Agreement No. P0210565.

Hoobler, Sean. 2015. Completion of the Auburn Ravine Chinook Salmon Redd Survey Report. State ofCalifornia, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Memorandum to Ms. MaryLisa Lynch, datedSeptember L4,20L5.

Gallagher, Sean P. and Colin M. Gallagher.2005. Discrimination of ChinookSalmon, CohoSalmon, and

Steelhead Redds and Evaluation of the Use of Redd Data for Estimating Escapement in Several

Unregulated Streams in Northern California. North American Journal of Fisheries Manogement25:284-300.

McKibbin, C.J., Healey, M.P., and H.S. Kubo. 2018. Auburn Ravine Video Monitoring Project,2O\6/2OL7Season Report. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, North Central Region, Rancho

Cordova, California, 95670, USA

Ode, P,R., 4.E., Fetscher, and L.B. Busse. 2016. Standard Operating Procedures for the Collection of Field

Data for Bioassessments of California Wadeable Streams: Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Algae,

and Physical Habitat. California State Water Resources Control Board Surface Water AmbientMonitoring Program (SWAMP) Bioassessment SOP 004.

HEL'XFfdrv{îstb,lPlailfrl

10

Appendix ARedd Pot, Tail and Depth

Measurements

Redd

Age

lweeks)

Pot

Depthlftì

Pot Dom

substrete

Pot

SubDom

Substrate

TallSpill

Length

fftl

TallSpill

wtdth 1(ft1

Tail Sp¡ll

wldth 2

Tail Splll

Dom

Substrate

Tail Spill

SubDom

Substrate

Total

Length(ft)

Avg.

width(ft)

Max

width(ft)

Fishon

?Redd Number Reach Date

Pot

LenBth(ft)

Pot

wtdth(ft1

None 10/2s/207717/8/201711/27/2077

3.2 NO 13.2 1.4 26 25 3.5 1.9 1.4 )R 25 5.8 2.2AR 1 1206001 AR1 72l8/2017 2.3325 26 3.2 7.9 1.3 25 26 6.4 2.r 3.2 NoAR 1 1206001 AR1 7Z/20/2077 3.2 3.2 1.3

25 2.7 2.2 1.6 24 25 6.9 2.9 No 5AR 1 1206001 AR1 t/3/2078 4.2 2.9 1.5 24

24 7AR 1 1206001 AR1 7/76/2018 buried 24 23

AR1 r/37/2018AR 1 12060012/73/2018None

1..3

1

2

3

4

5

6

Notes:

4 salmon observed II/2UT72 salmon observed ¡nit¡at¡ng redd construction , never finished;12/8/77

Appendix ARedd Pot, Tail and Depth Measurements

Head

Velocity

0.57

0.89

7

8

9

A-L

Appendix B

Representative Photos

Appendix B


Photo 1: View of the Hemphill Diversion Structure from the north. Date taken: January 23,2019.

Photo 2: Looking downstream from the diversion structure. Date taken: January 23,2019

B-1

Appendix B


Photo 3: Beaver Dam 2 in Auburn Ravine, AR 1. Date taken: November 14, 2018.

Photo 4: Beaver Dam 3 (red arrow) in Auburn Ravine, AR 1. Date taken: November 14, 2018.

B-2

Appendix B


Photo 5: Beaver Dam 4 in Auburn Ravine, AR 1. Date taken: November 14, 2018.

Photo 6: Log jam feature and partial rock dam in Auburn Ravine, AR 1. Date taken: November 14,

2018.

B-3

Appendix B


Photo 7: Log jam feature in Auburn Ravine, AR 1. Date taken: November 14, 2018.

Photo 8: Log jam (red arrow) feature in Auburn Ravine, AR 1. Date taken: January LL,2079.

B-4

Appendix B


Photo 9: Series of rock features in Auburn Ravine, AR 2. Date taken: January tI,2O19

Photo 10: Cascading rock feature in Auburn Ravine, AR 2. Date taken: January 11,2019.

B-5

Appendix B


Photo 11: Cascading rock features in Auburn Ravine, AR 3. Date taken: November 2L,2O77

Photo 12: Chinook salmon redd in Auburn Ravine, AR 1. Date taken: January 31, 2018.

B-6

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