Smolt Passage Behavior and Flow-Net Relationship in the Forebay of John Day Dam, 1984-1985 Final Report of Research.

Technical Report · Sun Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5924731· OSTI ID:5924731

Giorgi, Albert E

The migration routes of downstream migrant salmonids in the forebay of John Day Dam were defined and assessed in relation to current velocities and water turbidity and temperature. Forebay current patterns were obtained from current meters at fixed sampling stations, the distribution of outmigrants was determined from purse seine sampling, and migration routes of yearling chinook salmon and steelhead were identified by radio telemetry techniques. All species of emigrating salmonids alter their distribution across the forebay as they approach the dam. Fish abundance was positively correlated with water clarity. There was no evidence to suggest that the migration routes were in response to current patterns in the forebay. Radio telemetry studies demonstrated that a certain segment of yearling chinook salmon approaching the dam are predisposed to spill passage (Washington side of the river) by virtue of their lateral position across the forebay. A new application of radio tag methodology was assessed and found to be useful in evaluating the effectiveness of spill for bypassing outmigrant salmon. A program system and cartographic model was developed which displays for any specified hour forebay current patterns at prevailing river flows and dam operations. The system can be used at other dam sites where investigations may wish to detail forebay current patterns.

• Research Organization: Bioanalysts, Inc.
• Sponsoring Organization: United States. Bonneville Power Administration.
• OSTI ID: 5924731
• Report Number(s): DOE/BP-39644-1; ON: DE86008914
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130600* -- Hydro Energy-- Environmental Aspects
ANADROMOUS FISHES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BEHAVIOR
COLUMBIA RIVER
CURRENTS
DAMS
FISH PASSAGE FACILITIES
FISHES
MIGRATION
RIVERS
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
Salmonidae - Effects of water levels on
VERTEBRATES
WATER CURRENTS
WATER RESERVOIRS