POWDER RIVER SYSTEM
Table of Contont.s
Page
List of Figures
345
List of Tables
347
INTRODUCTION
348
POWDER R.
MAIN STEM
NORTH
POWDER R.
Introduction
348
......,
363
Inventory Surveys - Dates and Areas
351
,.,.,,.
363
Survey Data
351
363
351
351
352
352
352
352
356
356
356
363
363
365
365
365
365
365
365
366
Terrain and Gradient
Slope and Bank Cover
Shade
Stream Cross Section
Bottom Materials
Obstructions and Diversions
Impoundment and Hatchery Sites
Flow and Temperature Data
Tributaries
Anadromous Fish Populations
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
.
362
367
367
370
..
..
371
EAGLE CREEK
IntroductIon
371
Inventory Surveys - Dates and Areas
371
Survey Data
371
Terrain and Gradient
Slope and Bank Cover
Shade
Stream Cross Section
Bottom MaterIals
Obstructions and Diversions
Impoundment and Hatchery Sites
Flow and Temperature Data
Tributaries
East Eagle Creek
West Eagle Creek
-343-
371
371
374
374
374
374
374
376
376
376
Table of Contents (continued)
Page
Anadroinous Fish Populations
Spring Chinook
Stee].hoad Trout
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
383
383
386
386
Fish Transplants
386
Inipoundjnents and Hatchrjs
388
Obstructions and Diversions
388
List of Figures
Page
Figure
134.
Powder River System
349
A View of the Results of Dredging
in Upper Sunpter Valley
350
Sumpter Valley Looking up from Canyon Below........,......
350
Slope Cover in the Powder River Headwaters.......................
350
Exposed Stream Course in Canyon
Below the Lower Powder Valley
350
Powder River near Mouth Showing Effect
of Brownlee Pool.,.,. ...
.................... 353
PowderRlveraFewMjles Above Baker..,,.,....,,,...,.,,.....,,.
Thief Valley Dam...................,.,
137
353
....*..,..... S... S
Typical Diversion Dam on the Powder River
.........
353
A Permanent Diversion Darn Located at Upper End
of Lower Powder Va]_ley....................................,.......
355
A Low Diversion Dam One Mile Above
Lower Powder Valley Which May Be
an Obstruction at Low Flow Stagea.................................
355
Low Diversion Dam Located Shortly
Below Mouth of Big Creek...................................
14]..
Daily Maximum and Minimum Water Temperatures
on the Powder River 10 Miles Above
R ichiand, Late Summer of 1959... .... . ... ..... .
Recorded
. . .. .... . ... .. . .. ...
Average Monthly Flows for the Powder River
at Two Locations During 1957 Water Year.........
Aerial View of the Confluence of the Powder
and North Powder Rivers5...,,5. ..................
UpperNorthPowderRiverValley,.,.,,..,,,.,.,,,,,,.,,,.,.,.,,,,,
SlopeCoveronUpperAnthonyFork,,.,,..,,,.,,,,,,,,,...,,..,,,,,
Eagle Creek.
. . . . . . . . . . . . , . . .. . . . ..
. . . . .
... . . .. . . . . . .
Eagle Valley and Terrain of tne Eagle Creek Drainage...,.........,
357
List of Figures
continued)
Page
Figure
Falls on Eagle Cr. 1.25 Miles Above Little
This Falls is in Three 4-Foot
Eagle Cr
Steps and May Be a Barrier to Some Fish
373
One of Several Impassable Falls Existing
on Eagle Creek Above Boulder Park.
Provision for Fish Passage Above The8e
Falls Appears Infeasible
33
An Impoundment on Eagle Creek About 2.5
Miles Above Little Eagle Creek
373
Daily Maximum and Minimum Temperatures
for Eagle Creek near Skull Creek During
the Summer of 1959
378
The Upper End of West Eagle Meadows
Depicting the Gradient and Abundance
of Gravel in This Area...........
381
This Jam on West Eagle Creek near Trout Creek
Appeared to be a Serious Barrier on 9-16-58
381
Phillips Ditch Dam on West Eagle Creek
38].
List of Tablea
Page
Table
Estimate of Streambed Composition of the Upper
Powder River for Four Areas Extending from Lower
Cracker Crook to Thief Valley Reservoir............................ 352
Spot Observations of Temperatuxe and Flow for
the Powder River, Grouped by Months, 1950-59
359
Measurements of Maximum and Minimum Stream Flows
for Various Periods on Certain Powder River
Tributaries
363
Monthly Mean Discharge, in Cubic Feet Per Second,
of North Powder River at North Powder, Oregon
366
A List of Inventory
in 1958 and 1959
Surveys
made on Eagle Creek
374
Distribution and Estimated Abundance of Gravel
Deposits on Eagle Creek
375
A List of Obstructions or Potentially Serious
Barriers Noted on Eagle Creek in 1958-59
375
Spot Observations of Temperature and Flow for
Eagle Creek, Grouped by Months, 1953-59
377
Spot Observations of Temperature and Flow at
Various Locations on East Eagle Creek
379
Spawning Ground Counts of Spring Chinook
Salmon on Eagle Creek
383
Spawning Ground Counts of Spring Chinook Salmon
Within an Index Unit on East Eagle Creek..........
384
Montnly Catch Records of Juvenile Salmon Captured
in By-Pass Traps at Irrigation-Ditch Fish-Screen
Installations on Eagle Creek
385
Monthly Catch Records of Juvenile Rainbow-Stee].head
Trout Captured in By-Pass Traps at Irrigation-Ditch
Fish-Screen Installations on Eagle Creek
387
POWDER RIVER SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
The Powder Riv-er Sy0tem drains the eastern slopes of the southern part of the
Blue Mountain3 and also the southern slopes of the Wallowa Mountains, The drainage has an area of appro'cimatoly 1,660 square miles, most of which is in a semiarid type climate. Headwater elevations in the Blue Mountains are at the 6,000
to 7,000 foot level while at the lowermost part of the drainage at its junction
with tno Snake Rirer, 8 miles above Bro.m1eo Dam, the elevation is 1,900 feet.
The mari tributaries in the Powder River System are the North Powder River
which is approximately 70 miles above the mouth and Eagle Creek which enters the
main river near the mouth at Richiand, Oregon (Figure 129).
The economic development of the Poider River drainage as it influenced the
fishery resource began in the early 1860's when gold was discovered in the upper
section of the drainage (Pardee and Hewitt, 1914). Before that time, only scattered cattle ranchers utilized the area. Around 1900, a railroad was put tnrough
to Baker. This stimulated mining activity and also gave rise to the lumber indusIn 1914, dredging for gold began in the Suxnpter Valley and continued until
try.
1954 at which time a substantial part of the valley floor had been mined (Figure
130).
Agricultural activity with its attendant irrigation practices also had its
beginnings in the latter part of the 19th century. Now, according to a U. S.
Bureau of Reclamation report (1947), waters of the Powder River are used for the
irrigation of approximately 100,000 acres of land, and water rights to the natural
stream flow cover 170,000 acres.
The water surply from the natural stream flow is inadequate for irrigation
purposes due to a low late summer supply. In 1932, the Bureau of Reclamation
constructed Thief Valley Dam approximately 60 miles above the mouth of the Powder
River to suoply supple'nental irrigation water to the Lower Powder Valley. This
dam was not provided with fish passage facilities and restricted the existing
Eagle Creek is
anadromous fish runs to the lower portion of the river system.
now the only important producer of anadromous fish in the Powder River drainage.
During the survey of this river system, observations were directed chiefly to
the main river, the Nortn Powder River, and Eagle Creek.
A summary of recommended projects are listed on a priority basis in the
SUMMARY OF REC0NDATIONS section and also in APPENDDC B of Part I.
POWDER RIVER MAIN STEM
Introduction
The Powder River is rormed by the merging of two upper tributaries, Mocully
?ork and Cracker Creek. IThese flow out of the Elkhorn Range of the Blue Mountains
to join at the :town of Sumpter, 10 miles downstream from the uppermost part of the
drainage. From here, the rIver flows through the Snpter Valley and then meanders
through. a series :f canyons and valleys to merge with the Snake River approximately
120niilos dowstreain from Sumpter. Due to its meandering course, the length of
the river is double the straigat-line distance from Sumpter to the mouth.
The two major tributaries of the Powder River, the North Powder River and
Eagle Creek, enter the main river 70 and 9 miles, respectively, above the mouth.
-348-
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,-..
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POWDER
BAKER
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UsIdoch
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SCALE OF MILES
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LEGEND
Svrvlfld Stream Section
Partially Saro.ted Seclivo
Cs.
Uaourv.yed Stream Section
Grovel Area (each dot equals
appraoiarotely 10% ptr mile)
-E- Fail,
4r Log Jam
+ Beaver Dote
* Potential Rearing Site
Ø-Unacr.ao.d Diversion
+ Dam
o
LitlI. Eagl.
"I
C
,.9
_3_: °Richloed
0
4
L'Is
0
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0
FIGURE (29.
POWDER RIVER SYSTEM
.349-
BROWNLEE DAM
C
S
S
A View of the Results of Dredging in
Figure 130.
Upper Sumpter Valley. The Town of Sumpter Can Be
Seen in the Background. Photo Taken 6-13-59.
Figure 131. Sumpter Valley Looking up from Canyon
The Light Line is a Road Along the River
Below.
and Light Area in Background is Dredged Section.
Slope Cover in the Powder River HeadFigure 132.
waters. Suinpter Valley can be Seers in Background.
Photo Taken 6-13-59.
Figure 133. Exposed Stream Course .in Canyon Below
Photo Taken 6-2-59.
the Lower Powder Valley.
The North Powder River drains the Blue Mountains and Eagle Creek drains the
southern slopes of the Wallowa Mountains. Water is liberally appropriated from
both streams for irrigation use.
The North Powder River is presently inaccessible to anadromous fish since.
it is above the impassable Thief Valley Dam. Eagle Creek, however, still maintains runs of chinook salmon and steelhead trout. At one time, runs of salmon
and stesihead were reported to exist throughout the Powder River drainage, but
the effects of mining, logging, and irrigation have reduced and restricted the
populations to their present status.
Surveys on the main stem of the Powder River employed both foot and aerial
observations with the most emphasis being placed on foot surveys.
Aerial observations on the main stem were made in early June of 1959 and
covered a small part of the headwaters and all of the lower section of the river
from Thief Valley Reservoir, to the mouth. Foot surveys, extending downstream
from lower Cracker Creek to Thief Valley Reservoir, a distance of over 60 miles,
were conducted In late September, early October, and late November of 1958. In
the summer of 1959, observations of diversions, spot checks for gravel, and some
sampling of fish populations was carried on in the lower Powder River Valley.
The location, topography, and development of the Powder River drainage are
such that almost all of the main stem is accessible by road.
Survey Data
Terrain and Gradient:
The Powder River runs through a series of canyons and
valleys as it proceeds from its area of origin In the Elkhorn Nountains to the
Snake River. After flowing through narrow to moderate canyons In the headwaters,
the river passes through the 11-mile long Sunipter Valley. Below Sumpter Valley,
the river runs through a canyon (Figure 131) for 9 or 10 miles before entering
the Bowen Valley. Bowen Valley extends for 4 miles almost to Baker where a short
narrowing of the valley floor separates it from Baker Valley. Baker Valley is the
largest of the Powder River valleys and extends north to Haines. Beyond Names,
the river flo4s through the North Po.zder Valley to a point about 3 miles north of
the town of North Powder. Here the river enters a narrow canyon until It reaches
Thief Valley Reservoir. Below Thief Vallej Dam, the river is in a canyon for U
miles and then enters the lower Powder River Valley. This valley extends almost
to Goose Creek. The remainder of the stream course is in a canyon except for a
short section where it flows through the lower part of Eagle Creek Valley.
The over-all stream gradient from the headwaters to the mouth is approximately
O 75 per cent. As would be suspected, the descent is irregular with the more
moderate gradients occurring in the valleys. The Baker Valley floor has a drop
of about 0.3 per cent. In general, the gradient in the valleys was classified as
sluggish to moderate and in the canyons as moderate and moderate to steep.
Slope and Bank Cover:
Conifers are the dominant slope cover type from the
headwaters to the lower end of the Sumpter Valley (FIgures 131 and 132). Below
here there is a gradual transition to rocks and grass. The bank cover varies
with the area but is generally brush and conifers in the headwaters and brush
and grass in the lower areas.
-351-
Shade:
Stream shading was classified as open in Surnpter Valley and thereafter partly shaded to open from Sumpter Valley to Thief Valley Reservoir. The
only exception to this was in a short area below Baker where den3e stands of
brush along with some deciduous trees afforded good shade conditions. Below Thief
Valley Reservoir, the entire stream course is classed as open (Figure 133).
A generally wide, shallow streainbed exists at the
Stream Cross Section
All
lower end of the Swnpter Valley and again for a mile above Beaver Creek
in
cross
aection.
other sections above this point were classified as moderate
Below Baker and extending down to North Powder, the stream varies from deep to
moderate. From North Powder to the mouth the stream channel is generally moderate
in cross section except for some areas in the lower Powder Valley which are shallow, and in the lowermost region which has a deep cross section duo to the influence of the Brownlee Reservoir (Figure 134). When the reservoir is full, the
Powder River is backed up Into Eagle Valley, a distance of 8 miles.
An assessment of bottom composition was made over the
Bottom Materials
upper half of the river where ground observations were carried out. Since aerial
flights were mainly used below Thief Valley Reservoir it is felt that no estimate
Information from spot checks
of streainbed composition can be made for that area.
belo4 Thief Valley Reservoir in the lower Powder River Valley Indicate that the
streambed contains a considerable amount of gravel, but that it is compacted and
contains much silt and sand.
In the upper river area from Thief Valley to the headwaters, the gfneral
estimate of the streambed is 50 per cent silt and sand, 20 per cent gravel, 20
per cent rubble, and 10 per cent boulders (Figure 135). Since this evaluation
applies to approximately 60 miles of stream, a slightly more detailed picture is
given in Table 107 by dividing the area into 4 parts.
The most important obstruetion on the Powder
Obstructions and Diversions:
River at the present time Is Thief Vafley Dam (Po-8) (Figure 136) booted about
60 miles above the mouth. This darn, completed in 1932 by the Bureau of Reclamation for irrigating the lower Powder River Valley, was constructed without fish
Table 107. Estimate of Streambed Composition of the Upper Powder River
ctending from Lower Cracker Creek to Thief Valley Reservoir.
for Four Areas
Stream Section
Distance
in Miles
Lower Cracker Creek to
lower end Sumpter Valley
15
Sunipter Valley to
Percentae Estimate of Strearnbed Coin ositlon
Boulders
Grave3ubb1e
Sand
Silt
30
20
30
20
30
20
30
20
Baker Valley
Baker Valley to
North Powder Valley
20
50
20
20
10
North Powder Valley to
Thief Valley Reservoir
15
30
20
30
20
13b. Powder River near Mouth Showing Effect
of Brom1ee Pool.
Figure
Figure 136. Thief Valley Darn. This
Darn Has no Fish Passage Facilities and
Blocks Anadromous Fish From the Upper Half
of the Powder River Drainage.
Figure 135. Powder River a Few Miles above Baker.
The Streambed Contained Some Gravel but was Heavily
Silted.
Photo Taken 10-1-58.
Figure 137. Typical Diversion Dam on the Powder River.
Stop Boards Can Be Removed after Irrigation Season.
Photo Taken 7-1L.-59.
passage facilities. The dam is 390 feet long, has an over-all height of 69 feet,
and creates a head of water 40 to 45 feet high at full reservoir. This darn originally impounded 16,000 acie-feet of irr1pation water
Many other smal) dams eriqt on the Powder River. Most of thE'e are of a
temporary nature and are used to divert water into irrIgation ditches (Figure
137). During surveys in the fal) of 1958, 15 such dans (Po-9) were observed in
the area from Baker to North Powdcr, / The height of these dar's can be altered
by the use of stopboarda and, therefore, al) shouJd be considered as potential
ohtructiors to fish migration.
One diversion darn (Fo-C-1) of a permanent type was observed in the headwaters
on lower Crarker Creek 1.5 miles below Wind Creek. This ddm wa estimated to be
4 to 4.5 feet high and was considered to be a definite obstruction at, lower flow
end of
stages. Another permanent low diversion darn (Po-6) exists at the upper
This
dam
State
Highway
203.
the lower Powder River Valley one-fourth mile above
It
has
a
(Figure 138) is approximately 6 feet high without boards in place.
crude fish ladder of questionable value near the south shore, but stecihead are
reported to swim over the crest of this darn on their way to Big Creek during high
water. During periods of low or internediate flows, however, it is believed that
this dam would block fish. Two additional permanent low diversion dams (Po-7)
are located between the mouth of Big Creek and the previously mentioned darn.
These are from 2 to 3 feet high and ina be low-flow obstructions (Figures 139
and 140).
In the lower Powder River Valley, below highway 203, only one diversion darn
(Po-5) was observed (Figure 137). This was located one-fourth mile above Keating.
Interviews with residents near Keating indicate that no other darns for diverting
least 4 flood dams
water into ditches are present in the valley. However,
(Po-4) are reported to be used at certain tires after July to flood low-land areas.
These are said to be removed by September or, at the latest, October. Dams for
this use were not observed, but frcm their description they would probably be
impassable. They would necessarily be higher than diversion darns since their
purpose is to raise the water level above that of the adjacent land.
at
In the canyon below the lower Powder River Valley, a plank Irrigation dam
(P0-3), located 5 miles below Goose Creek, spanned the river on July 30, 1959.
This was observed to be passable at that time but may be an obstruction at other
flow stages.
Other possible or actual obstructions consist of 2 small debris jams (Po-il)
shortly above Hairtes, one beaver dam (P0-12) above Lake Creek, a short section of
subterranean flow (P0-13) 2 miles below Sumpter Valley, a log jam (Fo-14) 2 miles
below Suinpter Valley, and 2 log and debris jams on lower McCully Fork (Po-M-l)
These latter 2 jams were observed by air only and, therefore, their obstructive
influence is que.tIonable.
Many Irrigation diversions were observed on the Powder River during the field
surveys. However, since it was not always posSIble to observe the entixe stream
course and/or botF sides of the stream, the records of the District #2 Watermaster
have been used in conjunction with field information to locate and enumerate
diversion ditches. A total of 48 ditches can be accounted for by these two sources
of information. The majority of these ditches (Po-lO) are In Baker Valley. Figure
129 gives the approximate location of the diversions on the main Powder River.
Diversion dams beteen Baker and Haines are not shown in Figure 129, because
of a lack of space.
-354-
I
I
Figure 138. A Permanent Diversion Darn Located at
Upper End of Lower Powder Valley.
This Dam was
Considered Barrier at Flow Stage Shown on 6-l9-9.
Figure 139. A Low Diversion Darn 1 Mile Above Lower
Powder Valley Which May be an Obstruction at Low
Flow Stages. Photo Taken 6-19-S9.
Figure lLO. Low Diversion Dam Located Shortly Below
Mouth of Big Creek. This Darn Nay Be an Obstruction
at Low Flow Stages. Photo Taken 7-lh-9.
Figure 113. Aerial View of the Confluence of the
Powder and North Powder Rivers. Note Thief Valley
Reservoir in Background. Photo Taken 6-l3-9.
The only diversions on the main Powder River which pOs8ibly have an influanadromous fish are those located below Big Creek. Six rather large
diversions (P0-2) were ].ocated from immediately below this tributary down to the
center of the lower Powder River Val)ey, and 5 smaller diversions (Po-l) were
found in the canyon area below this valley. These diversions are not screened
and ina7 possibly be taking some downstream migrants from Big Creek.
ence on
Impoundment and Hatchery Sites:
Impoundment sites are available in all of
the valley areas of the Powder River.
From the standpoint of water temperature
and land acquisition, sites in the upper Sumpter Valley appear to be the most
favorable. Exavation would be necessary for all off-channel impoundments.
No hatchery sites were found on the main Powder River.
Flow and Temperature Data
Considerable temperature data are available
for the Powder River, principal)y from spot temperatures taken by t1e U. S.
Geological Surve. Those data show sumner temperatures in the Baiter Valley commonly in excess of 70°F. and that teirperatures of over 80°F. are occasionally
reached near tl'e moutF. Table 108 lists all available spot temperature data.
Detailed temperature information is available only from late July to the
end of September 1959, when a cortinuous thermograph record was made 10 miles
above Richiand, Oregon. These data are presented in Figure 11,1 and show high
teirperatures prevailing until mid-September.
Flow data on the Powder River is available in the U. S. Geological Survey
Water Supply Papers for the Snake River basin. These records show that extremes
in flow near the mouth over the past 30 years are 5,500 c.f.a. in May of 1956
and 18 c.f.s. in September of 1931. The most recent published records are for
the 1957 water year extending from October 1, 1956, through September 30, 1957.
For this period, Water Supply Paper No. 1517 (USGS, 1959) lists two gaging statiors, one 9 miles above Baker and the other 2.5 miles above the mouth. Figure
142 gives the average montl'ly flows for these two stations. As can be seen from
this figure, the monthly average in late summer at the Baker gage is quite low.
This is typical of the late summer and early fall flow pattern.
During field observations in late September and early October of 1958, flow
estimates In the area from the headwaters to Baker ranged from 10 to 20 c.f.s.
except for a short section below Surpter Valley where the flow was completely
subterranean. Shortly below Baker some sections of the stream were alirost dry.
This area is reported to go dry at certain places during the summer months due
to irrigation withdrawals. Further down the river, at the lower end of the North
Powder River Valley, flows are continuous due to ground water return from upstream irrigation.
Tributaries:
The main tributaries of the Powder River are the North Powder
River, which wil]. be discussed later in this section, and Eagle Creek which will
be considered in a separate part of this river system report.
Some of the other smaller tributaries, proceeding from Sumpter Valley downstream are Deer Creek, Pine Creek, Wolf Creolr, Big Creek, Goose Creek, and Daley
Creek. These streams were not surveyed and very little information is available
on them. Big Creek had an estimated flow of 5 to 6 c.f.s. four miles above the
mouth in October of 1959 and Goose Creek In August of 1959 had an estimated flow
of 4 c.f.s., 10 miles above the mouth. Most Powder River tributaries are tapped
for Irrigation water.
Max
urn
p.75
.
1.4
g
0
6
IA
\/
/a'\.
I
S
1 1
vs
USGS)
30
July
10
Mlnimwn
20
30
Auguat
20
September
3.959
Figure 141. Daily Maximum arid Minimum Water Temperatures Recorded
on the Powder River 3.0 Miles Above Richiand, Late Summer of 1959.
2400
2200
2000
].800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Oct. Nov. Dec,Jan Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept.
Figure 142. Average Monthly Flows for the Powder River
at Two Locations During 1957 Water Year.
Table 108. Spot Observations of Temperature and Flow
for the Powder River, Grouped by Months, 1950-59.
Dte
January
1-17-52
1-18-52
1-27-53
1-28-53
1-24-55
1-24-56
1-2-58
1-30-58
1-6-59
1-9-59
February
2-7-51
2-14-51
2-8-54
2-1-56
2-6-57
2-11-59
2-11-59
Location in Miles
2.5
82
82
2.5
2.5
2.5
21
21
Flow
11:00 a,m.
12:00 noon
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
2:00 p.n,.
103
4.00 p.m.
21
1'OO p.m.
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
103
103
Air
Wat-
in c fig
20
32
32
34
37
32
37
32
37
32
35
157
34
37
39
32
32
34
32
748
509
31]
320
272
243
63
36
43
38
40
41
391
508
152
21
30
36
29
35
28
42
37
50
2 30 p.m.
1 00 p.m.
2 30 p.m.
3 00 p.m.
1]. 00 a.m.
1 00 p.m
2'45 p.m.
49
47
45
12.00 noon
11.00 a.m.
45
49
8
27
36
34
April
4-4-51
4-29-51
4-6-52
4-10-52
4-16-52
4-22-53
4-29-53
4-21-55
4-18-56
4-21-58
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
21
2.5
4 30 p.m.
2 00 p.m.
12 30 p.m.
12:50 p.m.
35
42
47
48
3 00 p.m.
2 30 p.m.
4.00 p.m.
3 00 p.m.
12 00 noon
12 00 noon
1:00 p.m.
3 30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
74
21
82
82
82
82
2.5
82
2.5
2.5
2.5
102
358
164
932
125
362
2.5
82
2.5
1,000
40
894
428
54
1,360
40
70
61
72
45
55
54
50
2,910
55
45
48
60
69
2,540
50
52
2q30 p.m.
53
49
11:00 a.m.
65
65
12 00 noon
61
58
50
58
53
48
82
2.5
2.5
2.5
21
21
11 00 a.n.
1 00 p.m.
11 30 a.m,
10 00 a.m.
11.00 a.m.
200 p.m.
2 15 p.m.
-3 59-
62
47
74
67
68
52
93
55
50
58
52
74
"
"
55
38
9 00 am.
USGS
298
365
920
655
637
446
2,590
1,570
May
5-16-51
5-20-51
5-20-52
5-21-52
5-8-53
5-3-54
5-28-56
5-16-57
5-12-58
5-27-58
of Data
38.4
March
3-5-52
3-23-54
3-3-55
3-5-56
3-22-57
3-10-58
Source
530
1,160
485
2,430
220
497
4,410
2,730
1,760
1,970
ft
ft
ft
ft
ft
.ft
Table 108.
Spot Observations of Temperature (continued)
Location in Miles
Above Mouth
Teni
Flowin
Source
of Data
Time
Air
Water
c f.s
1:50 p.m.
12:15 a.xn.
3:40 p.m.
12:00 noon
6:30 p.m.
11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
10:00 a.rn.
12:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
72
92
76
61
69
76
65
65
80
66
63
61
1,080
69
106
'I
55
3,460
ft
63
888
958
742
ft
2,700
I,
714
809
ft
ft
1:40
12:00
4:00
1:10
p.m.
noon
p.m.
p.m.
86
95
79
2:35 p.m.
11:20 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
102
June
82
6-21-51
6-18-52
6-18-52
6-2-53
6-2-53
6-5-53
6-22-53
6-23-53
6-29-54
6-3-55
6-19-59
2.5
82
2.5
82
82
82
2.5
2.5
' r
50
53
61
56
61
54
71
July
7-13-51
7-31-51
7-31-52
7-20-53
7-22-53
7-14-55
7-8-58
7-8-58
7-23-58
7-14-59
7-14-59
7-31-59
82
2.5
82
82
2.5
2.5
118
I
21
51
11:30 a.m.
12:00 noon
42
37
3:30 p.m.
82
1:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
12:00 noon
72
97.
92
4:00 p.m.
78
74
72
65
66
68
70
64
88
71
76
80
42
USGS
,,
ft
ft
OFC
17.6
134
9.86
35.4
534
401
USGS
ft
ft
ft
It
ft
OFC
'9
56
40
USGS
OFC
It
ft
August
8-17-51
8-1-5 2
8-19-55
8-31-56
8-13-59
8-13-59
8-13-59
2.5
2.5
97
111
93
2:50 p.m.
3.1:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m.
89
87
88
83
--
77
66
75
71
207
208
59
66
10
10
65
5
98.1
205
USGS
It
I,
I,
OFC
'9
ft
September
9-20-51
9-20-51
9-15-52
9-16-5 2
9-1-53
9-3-53
9-21-55
9-1-57
9-1-57
9-1-57
9-4-58
9-18-5 8
9-26-58
9-26-58
9-26-58
9-26-58
2.5
82
82
2.5
82
2.5
2.5
51
54
57
21
21
127
126
125
123
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a,m.
10:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11:20 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
12:00 noon
2:00 p.m.
11:45 a.m.
12:00 noon
1:40 p.m.
2:10 p.m.
-360-
68:
62
74
75
74
78
58
76
77
63
66
70
72
60
60
60
67
64
61
57
72
70
72
64
69
91.9
4.91
10
168
19.2
200
It
115
I,
OFC
ft
9
74
63
47
15-20
50
55
53
20
8
USGS
I,
OFC
ft
ft
Table 108.
Date
Spot Observation3 of Temperature (continued)
Location in Miles
Above Mouth
September (continued)
120
9-26-58
12].
9-29-58
118
9-29-58
119
9-29-58
117
9-29-58
111
9-29-58
112
9-30-58
106
9-30-58
107
9-30-58
9-30-58
105
109
9-30-58
9-30-58
103
October
10-24-51
10-24-51
10-28-52
10-5-53
10-6-53
10-3-56
10-3-57
10-31-57
10-1-58
10.4...58
10-1-58
10-2-58
10-2-59
10-21-58
November
11-11-50
11-11-50
11-9-53
11-9-54
11-2-55
11-16-55
11-15-56
11-19-58
11-24-58
11-24-58
11-25-58
11-25-58
11-25-58
11-25-58
11-26-58
11-26-58
December
12-15-50
12-15-50
12-5-51
12-6-51
82
2.5
2.5
82
2.5
2.5
2.5
21
101
121
120
94
96
21
25
82
2.5
2.5
2.5
2,5
2.5
2].
93
87
82
79
74
70
68
65
82
2.5
82
2.5
Time
Air
3:40
11:55
12:10
1:40
1:45
3:40
12:15
12:20
1:10
2:20
2:55
3:15
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
70
70
72
72
73
68
70
70
70
70
11:00
2:00
12:00
12 40
a.n.
p.m.
noon
p.m.
44
3. 00 p.m.
70
69
50
65
77
77
Water
57
56
57
59
6].
60
60
56
56
57
56
56
46
48
49
53
57
64
Flow in
o.f.s.
5
15
10
7-8
20
15
20
20
20
20
20
20
14.8
239
166
15,4
200
140
224
42
3:00
11:30
12:00
12:10
12:35
3 30
2 00
2:00
8:00
p.m.
a.m.
noon
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
a.m.
73
50
52
9:15
11:00
12 00
4 00
12:00
a.m.
a.m.
noon
p.m.
noon
28
35
53
59
37
15
38
34
33
47
40
42
33
58
25-30
26
26
38
38
34
34
36
34
32
32
43
43
36
40
37
41
35
34
11.30 a.iu.
2 00
11.00
1'lO
2 35
10:00
10:40
12 20
3:40
10:10
10:25
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
p.m.
a.m.
a.m.
p m.
p.m.
a.m.
a.m.
12 15 p.m.
3 30 p.m.
2 00 p.m.
11:00 a.in.
-361-
66
68
68
79
72
33
33
32
40
37
55
47
53
53
58
57
60
40
43
45
37
32
37
20
25
20
15
20
52
211
46.4
198
152
153
109
158
-
Source
of Data
OFC
ft
ft
'P
Pt
ft
'P
ft
'I
'P
?1
USGS
OFC
"
USGS
USGS
"
"
OFC
"
30
25
40
30-35
60
40-45
924
447
52.6
227
"
USGS
Table 108.
Date
Spot Observations of Temperature (continued)
Location in iles
Above Mouth
December (continued)
12-11-52
2.5
82
12-11-52
12-11-54
2.5
12-14-55
2.5
12-23-55
2.5
12-19-56
2.5
12-10-57
31
12-2-58
31
Ternp.
Time
1:00
4:00
11:30
1:00
11:00
11:00
3 00
3:00
p.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
a.m.
p.m
p.m.
t1.I
Flow in
Air Wr c.f.s.
41
35
32
2].
36
35
40
43
38
37
32
32
38
33
37
33
166
21.4
Source of
of Data
USGS
l].1
U
179
1,210
212
128
U
U
U
U
56
Table 109 presents limited flow data for certain Powder River tributaries
as listed in U. S. Geological Survey Water Supply Paper No. 1317.
Anadromous Fish Populations
The Powder River was once an important salmon and stesihead stream. Reports
from local residents Indicate that chinook salmon spawned from the headwaters -to
the lower end of the North Powder Valley. While mining, logging, and irrigation
undoubtedly caused these runs to decline, it was not until the construction of
Thief Valley Dam in 193]. that the anadromous species were completely eliminated
from the upper areas of the drainage. Chapman, / in an unpublished report written in 1940, states that chinook appeared below the dam until the last cycle was
killed off. He reports that in 1931, the first chinook appeared at the dam on
May 15 and the main run arrived in early June.
At the present time chinook are known to exist only in the Eagle Creek
drainage of the lower Powder River system. Steelhead are reported to be present
in Big Creek, Goose Creek, and Daley Creek. Big Creek is believed to be the more
important of the three. Oregon Game Commission by-pass traps at screen installations on Big Creek have trapped several hundred migrants annually from 1954 to
1958. May, June, and July are the principal months of downstream migrant catches.
The main lower Powder River is believed to be of slight benefit In producing
salmon and steelhead. It may be utilized to some extent for rearing purposes
during the colder months, but its primary benefit Is believed to be the access
route it provides to and from the tributaries.
-
/
-
"Report of a Field Trip to the Snake River Drainage in Idaho and Eastern
Oregon, 1940." W. N. Chapman, biologist Washington Department of Fisheries.
Table 109. Measurements of Maximum and Minimum Stream Flows
for Various Periods on Certain Powder River Tributaries.
_SLtrea
Wolf Cr.
_Period
-
Measurement
L.cation
Dat.
May 1948
1948
1946-50
6.5
ml. above mouth
April 1914
1913-14
June-Ju.ly-Sept.
8.5
ml. above mouth
Goose Cr.
1913
5.0 ml.
April 1914
1913-14
above mouth
1913
433 max.
435 max.
No flow
164 max.
No flow
August 1914
Da].ey Cr.
flows in c.f a
0.2 mm.
September
Big Cr.
Max. and )4in.
May 1913
July-August 1913
3.5 ml.
above mouth
16.7 max.
3.1 mm.
NORTH POWDER RIVER
Introduction
The North Powder River is the second most important Powder River tributary,
ranking next to Eagle Creek. It flows Into the main river near the town of North
Powder in the lower section of the North Powder River Valley (Figure 143). The
stream drains the eastern slopes of the Elkborn Range of the Blue Mountains and
the drairage area is 129 square miles (USGS, 1956). The direction of flow is
generafly northeast and the length of the river is approximately 30 miles. U. S.
Geological Survey flow records froD' 1912 to 1.914 indicate a maximum discharge of
1,150 c.f.s. and a minimum of 0.1 c.f.s. (USGS, be. cit.). Almost the entire
stream flow Is appropriated for irrigation use in the summer. The main tributary
is Anthony Fork which enters the North Powder River 11 miles above its mouth.
Inventory Surveys-Dates
an4_4e
The lower 18 mIles of the North Powder River were observed in October and
December of 1958 by means of foot surveys and the lower 5 miles of Anthony Fork
were Investigated In December 1958 by the same method.
The upper six miles of the survey section is in a
Terrain and Gradient:
narrow canyon. Below here the stream enters the North Powder River Valley
In the valley the gradient
(Figure 144). The gradient in the canyon is steep.
is generally moderate except near the mouth where it Is moderate to steep.
In the canyon area the slopes are mostly covered with
Slope and Bank Cover:
timber.
In the valley, grass is the dominant cover type. Bank cover consisted of
timber in the upper six miles, and brush, deciduous trees, and grass in the valley.
-363-
Figure 11th. Upper North Powder River Valley. The
River Course is Indicated by the Trees in the Center
of the Picture.
The Road on the Left Leads to the
North Powder River Canyon While the Road on the Right
Goes up Anthony Fork Canyon.
Figure lk5.
Slope Cover on Upper Anthony Fork. Parts
of this Wealthy Watershed are now Being Logged-Off.
-3,4-
Shading was classified as partly to densely shaded in the canyon
Shade:
and partly shaded and open in the valley.
Stream cross section was generally moderate throughStream Cross Section:
outs the 18-mile section. Some moderate to shallow sections occurred in the valley.
Bottom Materials:
The streainbed composition changed markedly from the canyon to the valley. The general assessment in the 6-mile canyon area was 20 per
cent sand, 30 per cent rubble, and 50 per cent boulders. In the 12-mile section
of valley, the estimate was:
silt and sand 30 per cent; gravel 40 per cent;
rubble 20 per cent; and boulders, 10 per cent. Much of the gravel in the lower
part of the valley is mixed with coarse sand.
Obstructions and Diversions:
Innumerable debris jams (Po_NP-3) consisting
of logging slash exist in the canyon area in the upper one-third of the survey
section. However, this area has little or no potential for producing anadromous
salmonids since the streambed is mostly rubble and boulders.
The most important obstructions from the standpoint of blocking potentially
valuable stream area are located in the North Powder Valley and consist exclusively of diversion dams. During the surveys of this area, 9 dams (Po-NP-l) were
counted in the valley. These were not considered impassable at the tiite of observation, but, since they were all of the type which could be modified by the
irrigationist, they should be regarded as potential obstructions.
These would almost certainly be obstructions in the late summer when. heavy
irrigation withdrawals reduce the stream flow to the point where lack of water
in some places may be an obstruction in itself.
Irrigation diversions on the North Powder River are located throughout the
18-mile survey area. According to the records of the watermaster for District
#L4, six diversions (Po-NP-4) are listed for the upper section located in the
canyon. Five of these were located during the field observations. In the valley,
17 diversions (Po-NP-2) exist according to watermaster records. Of these, 12
were observed during the stream survey of the area. No anadromous fish inhabit
this stream and no diversions are screened. Diversion locations are given in
Figure 129.
Impoundment and Hatchery Sites:
Many off-channel impoundment sites exist
in the agricultural area of the North Powder River Valley (Figure 144).
No sites appearing desirable for hatcheries were found.
Flow and Terperature Data
Flow and temperature data are scarce for the
North Powder River. Parkhurst (1950b) reports that or' July 7, 1942, the stream
wa dischargIng 49 c,f,s. in the valley area and had a temperature ranging from
70 F. at the znoth to 54°F. at Anthony Fork. Early USGS flow records taken near
the mouth from 1912 to 1914 are the only extensive flow data known to the authors1
These data are presented in Table 110.
During field surveys in the fall of 1958, flows in the valley below Anthony
In
Fork ranged from 20 to 30 c.f.s. in October and 50 to 75 c.f.s. In December.
the canyon area above Antone Creek, December flows were estimated at 35 to 45
c.f.s. One summer flow was estimated in the valley 3.5 miles below Anthony Fork
in August of 1959. This estimate was 3 c.f.s.
Table 110. Monthly Moan Discharge, in Cubic Feet Per Second,
of North Powder River at North Powder, Oregon.
/
Water
0
Ye:
N.v
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
*33.6
1912
1913
16.8
18.1 -
1914
-
--
-
/ Taken from USGS WSP
Seat.
Jul
Au:
74.4 180 543
53.0
29.0 17.6
438
66.0
148
4.7
A.r
*122
M;
267
June
8.6
**4,9
1317, 1956.
*
Not previously published; partly estimated on the basis of records for
Powder River near North Powder.
**
Revised.
Because of irrigation use, low, late summer flows can be considered a
standard characteristic of the lower North Powder River. The District Watermaster has reported that the stream has never been dry to his knowledge, but
that extremely low flows would be the rule rather than the exception.
Aside from the information supplied by Parkhurst (1°c. cit.) tewperature
data is limited to information gathered on surveys. A temperature taken at 2:30
p.m. on August 13, 1959 at a point 8 miles above the mouth was 78°F. Late October
water temperatures taken in the valley in the afternoon ranged from 41 to 46°F.
In December, water temperatures ranged from 32 to 35°F. in the canyon area above
the North Powder River Valley.
It appears that summer water tenperatures can be expected to be quite high
in the valley section of the North Powder River due to the reduction in stream
flow.
The main tributary of the North Powder River is Anthony Fork.
Tributaries:
Two other smaller tributaries are Dutch Flat Creek and Antone Creek. Antone and
Dutch Flat Creeks are both about 8 miles in length and enter the North Powder
River 12 and 13 miles, respectively, above its mouth.
Antone Creek i.#as spot checked over its lower 1.5 miles on December 10, 1958,
and was found to be unsuitable for anadromous salinonids. The gradient is steep
and no spawning areas were observed. This stream was flowing an estimated 15
c.f.s. at the time of the survey. Dutch Flat Creek was not observed.
Anthony Fork is considerably larger than any other North Powder River tributary and was flowing an estimated 30 to 35 c.f.s. when surveyed over the lower 5
miles on December 9, 1958. The upper drainage is well timbered (Figure 145) but
approximately 9 square miles of this area are being logged. The slopes bordering
the lower portions of the stream are a mixture of conifers and grass. The stream
shade is good, with conifers and brush being the principal cover types. The
-366-.
gradient in the lower 5 miles is generally moderate to steep with the steeper
areas existing in the upper part of the survey area. ApproxImately 10 to 20 per
cent of the streambed was estimated to contain gravel suitable for spawning. The
stream is reported to have a continuous flow even though irrigation withdrawals
are made. Parkhurst (bc. cit.) observed that the stream had a flow of 30 c.f .a.
and a temperature of 55°F. near the mouth on July 7, 1942. On August 13, 1959,
when the North Powder River was flowing 3 o.f.s. and had a temperature of 78°F.
in the afternoon, 3.5 miles below Anthony Fork, this tributary was flowing 15
c,f.s. near Its mouth and had a water temperature of 64°F. December flow estimates varied between 25 and 35 c.f.s. and the water temperature was 35°F. Other
flow records taken in 1912 by the U. S. Geological Survey (1956) show extremes
of 387 c.f.s. in June and 2 c.f.s. in October for the period from April to October.
It is reported that several diversions existed above the gaging station at that
time. According to the district watermaster, 5 diversions (Po-NPAF-l) now withdraw water from Anthony Fork between the North Fork and 2 miles above the mouth.
Three of these were observed during survey observations. Two diversion dams,
(Po-NPAF-2) 2.5 and 4 miles above the mouth may be partial obstructions to sipstream migration. Two log and debris jams, (Po-NPAF-3) one 4.5 miles and the
other 2 miles above the mouth, are considered obstructions to fish migration at
all but the higher water stages.
Anadromous Fish Populations
No anadroinous species presently utilize the North Powder River system.
Parkhurst (bc. cit.) states that the North Powder River was once an excellent
salmon stream and that salmon were reported to have utilized Anthony Fork also.
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Powder River Main Stem
Without considering the problem of fish passage at Snake River power dams,
a development program for anadromous fish production in the upper Powder River
must involve four main objectives. These are (1) to pass fish safely over Thief
Valley Dam, (2) to screen the many diversion ditches in the Powder River, (3) to
improve stream conditions so that anadromous salmonids can survive, and (4) to
find donor stocks which will transplant successfully. It is believed that the
first three objectives can be accomplished if the expense appears justified. The
last, however, must rely on the adaptability of the donor stock and, therefore,
success cannot be guaranteed.
At the present time the Powder River streambed contains an excessive amount
of silt and sand. This condition exists, generally, throughout the main stem of
the river. The effect of the present concentrations of silt and sand on the
successful spawning of introduced anadromous salmonids is not known, but It seems
safe to assume that this condition would be unfavorable.
Although large-scale mining is no longer carried on in the headwaters, some
silt is still introduced Into the stream by 2 mines located In the upper headwaters, by irrigation returns, and by stream bank erosion. Logging, which is
carried on In the headwaters, is also contributing to stream siltation. Timber
sales, scheduled for 26 square miles of U. S. Forest Service land on McCuJ.ly,
Cracker, and Deer Creek drainages during the perIod 1961 through 1964, will act
to prolong this condition.
More unfavorable than silt conditions on the Powder River are the low simimar flows and high temperatures resulting from irrigation withdrawals principallr
in the Baker Valley. Flow and temperature data for the Baker Valley show that
the stream goes dry in some places in the summer and fall and that water temperatures frequently exceed 70°F.
It appears highly questionable that any development of the upper Powder
River could be considered biologically and economically sound without first
providing for increased flows during the summer and early fall seasons.
Since irrigation withdrawals are protected by water rights, the best opportunity for increasing flows on the upper Powder River appears to lie in the construction of a headwater reservoir. Such a reservoir has been contemplated by
the Bureau of Reclamation under their plans for the Baker Project, upper Division,
This reservoir would be formed by the construction of Mason Dam in the
Oregon.
narrow canyon (Figure 131) shortly below the lower end of the Suxnptor Valley.
It would impound 100,000 acre-feet at normal high pool and its primary purpose
would be for flood control and irrigation use in Baker and Bowen Valleys. A
bill concerning the Baker Project has been introduced in the U. S. Congress, but
the present status of the project remains in doubt.
With respect to anadromous fish production on the Powder River, it is believed that this reservoir can only improve conditions. A more regulated discharge will reduce bank erosion and help sustain better flow conditions further
into the summer.
If releases for fish benefit could be obtained, improved flow and temperature
conditions on the entire main river for all critical periods would result. It
is not known what discharge rate would be necessary for maintaining temperatures
at favorable levels but, if it is assumed that 30 c.f.s., released over a period
of 100 days from late June to early October, would be required, a volume of 6,000
acre-feet would be needed.
The amount of water needed for keeping temperatures at. favorable levels will
largely depend on the water temperature at the point of release from the reservoir. The possibility of having very little temperature improvement could exist
If releases were made from near the surface of the reservoir during the summer
months. This might be somewhat offset by a cooling erfoct in the canyon below
Sumpter Valley. During field observations, some Indication of the cooling of
the stream in the canyon below Sumpter Valley has been observed. On September
30, 1958, a 70 reduction occurred between a lower section of the Suinpter Valley
and a point 10 miles downstream. On August 13, 1959, a near-noon temperature
of 66°F, was obtained at the lower end of Sumpter Valley, while one-half hour
earlier at a point 15 miles downstream, the temperature was 59°F.
If satisfactory flow and temperature conditions on the upper Powder River
can be achieved, it is believed that any siltation problem could also be resolved.
The mechanical agitation of the streambed materials by use of heavy equipment In
combination with increased flows would wash the silt downstream where it would
settle out in sluggish areas which already are badly silted. This redistribution and expulsion of silt in the area from below Sumpter Valley to Thief Valley
Reservoir would Improve many miles of stream where good gravel concentrations
occur. Future silting would be decreased by more stable flow conditions and by
the settling of hsadwater silt in the Mason Dam Reservoir.
If favorable tomperatures and flows can be obtained, it is believed that
the most important step toward making the upper Powder River suitable to anadroxnoua fish will have been achieved
-368-
Other environmental problems associated with establishing anadroinous runs
in the upper Powder River concern the supply of natural food and the influence
of scrap fish and predators on survival, These factors have not been studied in
this program and only very general statements can be made. Suckers, dace, and
squawfish were observed in the upper Powder River drainage during field surveys
and it is assumed that these and other species are present in substantial numbers.
In the lower Powder River Valley, below Thief Valley Dam, two short seine hauls
with a 20-foot x 4-foot minnow seine produced 34 shiners, U squawfish, 1].
ohiselmouth, and 9 suckers when a section of the river was sampled in raid-July
of 1959.
Since a gold dredge operated in Sumpter Valley until the sumner of 1954,
the influence of siltation from past mining operations may still restrict the
natural food supply of the stream. However, there is some indication that relatively good bottom fauna populations are established in part of the area affected
by mining silt. In September of 1958, a one-square-foot bottom fauna sample
yielded a volume of 0.5 to 1 cc. of bottom organisms consisting primarily of
stonefly larvae (Plecoptera). This volume is considered slightly above average
when compared with samples taken from other streams during this study.
Obstruction and diversion problems must also be considered in a program to
develop the upper Powder River. The main obstruction is Thief Valley Dam (P0-8)
which impounds a fluctuating reservoir. The construction of fish passage facilities over this 40 to 45 foot high structure will be a major engineering project.
Many other smaller diversion dams may also need passage facilities. Passage will
depend primarily on irrigation activities and flow conditions. Summer and fall
migrants would probably be affected most by these dams. One dam (P0-6) located
one-fourth mile above Highway 203 at the upper end of the Lower Powder Valley is
approximately 6 feet high (FIgure 138) and could be considered an obstruction at
both intermediate and low flow stages. A crude fish ladder is present at this
structure.
Approximately 50 diversions presently exist on the main Powder River. Only
4 of these are believed to be situated above the proposed Mason Dam site, leaving
the remainder to be considered for possible screening. At present, screening can
be of possible benefit only below Big Creek. The unscreened ditches which are
located below Big Creek (Po-1 and 2) may be suppressing the steelhead run from
that stream, but evidence is needed to support this view. Further investigation
should be made on these ditches to determine if losses are occurring. That losses
do occur seems most probable since the Oregon Game Commission maintains screens
on Big Creek and annually collects several hundred migrants during the irrigation
season.
No recommendations are made concerning the development of the upper Powder
River. However, it may be stated that such a venture appears questionable if
sufficient water to create favorable flows and water temperatures below Sumpter
Valley cannot be obtained.
One other area on the Powder River which might lend itself to increasing
salmon production without the cost of an upper river development program is the
Lowder Powder Valley. This valley is 12 miles long and probably has 18 to 20
miles of stream course winding through it. Aside from aerial observations, only
spot sampling of the streambed has been made, but this and the aerial observations
indicate that a considerable amount of gravel is present. The quality of the
gravel, and of the streambed in general, is impaired by silt deposits. However,
this condition is not known to be the limiting factor for producing anadroinous
-369-
salmonids in the area and, if it should prove to be the case, it is felt that
improvements could be brought about by mechanically washing the silt from the
gravel with a bulldozer.
Of a more serious nature are the temperature and flow conditions believed to
exist in the area. Limited information on temperatures and flows (Table 108)
indicate that summer temperatures are high, winter temperatures are low, and high
flows may occur in the late winter. Fall flows, while low, would permit the area
to be used for spawning.
The existence of high summer water temperatures points to the selection of
a fall-spawning race of chinook, which also migrates into the area in the fall,
as the best suited fish for the environment. However, the selection of this
group may be questioned on the basis that later spawning wil3 result in the exposure of eggs and/or alevins to siltation and scouring during the runoff season
Prolonged Incubation due to low, winter water temperatures and the Indicated early
occurrence of high flows would greatly Increase the probability of exposure to
this factor
Some regulation of runoff flows, obtained from Thief Va].]ey Dam 11
miles above the valley, may modify the effects of siltation and scouring.
To generally determine the suitability of the lower Powder River Valley as
an incubation area, test plants with eyed eggs could be made at various places
In the valley. If incubation mortalities are low, further investigation into
downstream movement and fry mortalities would be in order before attempting to
establish a run to the area.
Because of a lack of information, no recommendation concerning an attempt
to introduce fall-spawning salmon into the lower Powder River Valley is made.
The foregoing discussion is presented for the purpose of giving some data relative
to this subject and to Indicate that a possible production area does exist.
North Powder River
On the North Powder River, irrigation withdrawals result In high summer
temperatures and low flows. Without supplemental water this stream would not be
suitable for chinook salmon and possibly not for silver salmon or steelhead. However, all three species might utilize Anthony Fork, the main North Powder River
tributary. This stream appears to have more favorable summer flows and temperatures, although spawning areas are not as extensive as on the main North Powder
River (Figure 129). Additional flow and temperature data are needed on Anthony
Fork.
If attempts are made to reestablish anadromous salinonids in the North Powder
River System, approximately 20 diversions (Po-NP-2) (Po-NPAF-1) would have to be
considered for screening, 10 small diversion dams (Po-NP-1) (Po-NPAF-2) might
require passage facilities; and the remova1 of 2 log jams (Po-NPAF-3) on lower
Anthony Fork would be in order.
EAGLE CREEK
Introduction
In regard to the production of anadromous fishes, Eagle Creek is the most
important tributary of the Powder River drainage. Also, it is unique in being
the only major tributary of the Powder River to drain the Wallowa Mountain region. This stream originates at Eagle Lake and flows approximately 36 miles to
join the Powder River 9 miles above the mouth near Richiand, Oregon (Figure 146).
The major tributaries of Eagle Creek are the East and West Forks which enter the
larger stream at about 22 and 27 miles, respectively, above the mouth. In the
upper 10 miles, Main Eagle courses to the southwest, and below this point, the
direction of flow is gehorally south of east. Elevation in the drainage ranges
from ebout 9,600 feet on Eagle Cap Mountain to 2,100 feet near the stream mouth.
The drainage area is approximately 200 square miles.
The climate of the region varies considerably with altitude and topography.
In Eagle Valley, which is near the Powder River, the climate is semi-arid, while
in the rugged mountainous areas precipitatiQn is heavy and the temperatures are
generally cool.
The ecoroiuy of the area is dependont primarily on the lumbering and livestock industries. The use of irrigation in Eagle Valley is extensive.
Eagle Creek is accessible by way of State Highway 86 from Baker, Oregon.
Near Richiand, Oregon, a county road diverges from the highway to ascend Eagle
Creek to within 5 or 6 miles of its source. With the exception of a 5-mile section of stream just above Little Eagle Creek, the roed parallels the stream the
entire distance. Above the end of the road at Boulder Park, Eagle Creek is accessible by trail.
toy Surveys - Dates and Areas
Table lii presents the dates, locations, and distances of the inventory surveys conducted on Main Eagle Creek. One section of stream not observed on the
surveys Is that extending from 22 to 27 miles above the mouth. This area was
familiar to the surveyors from previous spawning ground surveys
Another small
section which was not observed was the lowermost 1 mile.
Survey Data
Terrain and Gradient
In the upper 5 or 6 miles, Eagle Creek flows entirely
within the rugged topography of the Wallowa Mountains. In this section the stream
frequently becomes torrentid and flows over cataracts and falls. Also observed
in this area were occasional mountain meadows where the stream flows at moderate
velocities over a gravel bottom.
Below Boulder Park, the canyon traverses a
forested plateau which ultimately descends to the semi-arid hills adjacent to the
Powder River (Figure 147). WithIn this section the gradient In the upper 3 miles
is moderate, the next 16 miles is generally steep, and the lower 12 miles varies
between moderate and moderate to steep. In approximately the lower 6 miles, the
canyon widens to form Eagle Valley.
Slope and Bank Cover:
Except In the lower 6 or 8 miles, the slope vegetation is predominantly coniferous timber. In the lower section, grass is the major
slope cover (Figure 147). In general, the bank cover consists of coniferous tInber and brush. In the uppermost area of the survey, the conifers thin out considerably and brush is predominant along the stream. In Eagle Va3Jey, the conifers are replaced by deciduous trees.
-3 71-
LEGEND
Surveyed Stream Section
Partially Surveyed Section
tin surveyed Stream Section
Gravel Area (each dot equals
approximately 10% per mile)
Echo
L.
II
/
/
Falls
I
/
I West Eagle
-4
Mdw.
.p&ecr;J Boulder
lark
I
d. 99
Log Jam
Beaver Dam
Road
Bridge
-P-,-
Potential Rearing Site
.
"iwo Color
G.S.
(Po-E-3)
(Po-E-i)
A
4'
?l234567
New Bridge
SCALE OF MILES
To
Baker
Nw
Richiand
(Po-EK-h®\ _R
86
POWDER RIVER
FIGURE 146. EAGLE CREEK
- 372-
Figure 147. Eagle Valley and Terrain of the Eagle
Creek Drainage. Note the Transition of the Topography from Semi-Arid Hills to Rugged Mountains.
Figure 148. Falls on Eagle Creek 1.25 Miles Above
Little Eagle Creek. This Falls is in Three 4-Foot
Steps and May B a Barrier to Some Fish.
4!.
%.
v
)
-
Figure 149,
Ing on Eagle
One of Several Impassable Falls ExistCreek Above Boulder Pk Provision for
Fish Passage Above These Falls Appears Infeasible.
Figure 150. An Impoundment on Eagle Creek About
This Private
2.5 Miles Above Little Eagle Cr
Pond has Been Offered for use in the Rearing of
Salmon.
Table 111. A List. of Inventory Surveys
Made on Eagle Crook In 1958 and 1959.
Survey
1.5 to 5
ml. below source
Survey Distance
9-17-58
Foot
5 to 10 ml. below source
(3]. to 26 ml. above mouth)
9-18-58
5
Foot
26 to 22 ml. above mouth
8-26-59
4
Vehicle
17 to 7 ml. above mouth
8-4-59
10
7 to 1 ml. above mouth
7-30-59
6
Foot
Spot cheàk only at
diversion intakes
Shade:
The shading of the stream Is generally moderate and Is c1asifled
as partly shaded, However, open areas are more frequent where the stream flows
through Eagle Valley.
Stream Cross Section
In general, the stream Is moderate In cross section.
Pool areas are present In abundance.
Bottom Materials:
Information regarding the distribution of gravel on
Eagle Creek Is presented in Table 112. SIinIlar information is Illustrated in
Figure 146.
Obstructions and Diversions:
The obstructions observed on Eagle Creek are
presented in Table 113. FIgure 148 Illustrates a falls (Po-E-2) located 1.25
miles above Little Eagle Creek which may be a barrier at some water stages. An
impassable falls on Eagle Creek (Po-E-5) above Boulder Park Is shown in Figure
149. Figure 146 presents the location of all observed obstructions.
Ten diversion ditches were observed on Eagle Creek and a distributary, Kirby
Creek, Nine of these ditches had fish screen Installations. The one unsoreened
diversion (Po-EK-].) consisted of a ditch which would take water during the high
flow period only. This ditch is located about 1 mIle below the intake of Kirby
Creek and is 2 feet wide (Figure 146). On July 30, 1959, the screens at two
Installations were not operating. However, the Oregon Game Commission screen
maintenance man for the area indicated that this condition was only temporary
for at least one of the screens.
Impoundment and Hatchery Sites:
Numerous sites with terrain suited to
impoundment use are preseit on Eagle Creek. In addition to a large number of
sites which exist on privately-owned land In Eagle Creek Valley, other favorable
locations were observed on the upper reaches of Eagle Creek between Boulder Park
and the Two Color Guard Station. This latter area is within the boundaries of
the Wallowa-Whitinan National Forest.
Table 112, DistrIbution and Estimated Abundance
of Gravel Deposits on Eagle Creok.
Location
Lower 1 ml.
Distance
in Miles
Eat. Percentage
of Gravel
1
Strea be
Area not surveyed-subject to low
summer flow.
3.
One to 7 ml. above
mouth (Eagle Valley)
Spot checked only-gravel observed at majority of 9 check points.
Next 5 ml. to Little
Eagle Cr,
Little Eagle Cr. to
Paddy Cr.
Paddy Cr. tol ml.
below Two Color
Guard Station
Remarks
25
5
11
5-10
Most gravel in small patchesprimarily steep gradient.
0-5
Gravel in occasional small
patches-primarily steep gradient.
One ml. below Two
Color Guard Station
to Boulder Park
3
30-40
Gravel formed of decomposed
granitic material-considerable
quantity of fines present.
Boulder Park
upstream 3.5 ml.
3.5
----
Two meadow areas in this section
would constitute at least 0.5
ml. of gravel.
Table 113. A List of Obstructions or Potentially Serious
Barriers Noted on Eagle Creek In 1958-59.
Obstruction
TvDe
Log jam
Location
Remarks
(Po-E-l)
1 mi. above mouth
Little Eagle Cr.
Large jam-as viewed in Sept. 1959-appeared
to be potentially serious.
Falls
(Po-E-2)
1.25 ml. above mouth
Little Eagle Cr.
12-foot falls in 3 steps of 4 feet eachKnown to be passable at some water stages.
Log jam
0.4 mi. below
Dixie Cr.
Large jam-potentially serious.
0.25 to 0.75 ml.
above Two Color
Guard Station
Tlppormost jam may be partial barrier-lower
jam potentially serious-abundant gravel
above jams.
0.5, .625, 2, and 3
ml. above Boulder Pk.
Several Impassable falls-amount of gravel
above would not justify laddering.
(Po-E-3)
2 log jams
(Po-E-4)
Falls
(Po-E_5)
At the present time, 6 or 7 impoundments for the rearing of fish already
exist on Eagle Creek about 2.5 miles above the mouth of Little Eagle Creek,
These impoundments are used for the rearing of rainbow trout for private angling
purposes and are the property of a sportsmen's group calling themselves Hideaway,
Incorporated. In tho summer of 1959, tho president of the corporation, Mr. Sandford Adler of Baker, Oregon, indicateda willingness to allow use of 2 of these
ponds for the rearing of salmon (Figure 150). The combined ponds are estimated
to have an area of about 4 acres. The maximum depth to be found in the ponds is
about 8 feet. Both ponds are in need of minor repair consisting primarily of
additional diking on the river side to reinforce existing dikes. The upper pond
can be drained into the lower pond and the lower pond can be at least partially
drained into the river.
Temperature data obtained at this group of impoundments are as follows:
9-23-59
3 20 p.m.
58°F, (surface of centrally located pond).
9-23-59
345 p.m.
60°F. (surface of lowermost pond).
8-26-59
to
9-23-59
Maximum-minimum thermometer installed in centrally located pond between these dates mdicated a maximum temperature of 69°L and a minimum temperature of 55°F. at the 6-foot depth.
In conclusion, it should be stated that other ponds in the development rear
rainbow trout satisfactorily and apparently have no summer temperature problems
or oxygen problems in the winter.
On September 23, 1959, a young chinook salmon,
which measured about 5.5 inches in total length, was taken from one of the ponds
offered for use.
No sites suitable for hatchery use were noted on Eagle Creek.
Flow and Temperature Data:
Available information concerning the flow and
temperature conditions existent on EaEle Creek indicate that these factors are
generally favorable to the reproduction of anadromous salmonida. There is, however, an annual occurrence of low flows near the mouth of the stream due to
irrigation withdrawals in the summer, At times when water con8lznption is heavy
the discharge in this area may be too small for the transportation of adult salmon. The exact extent of the area of low flow is unknown, but on July 30, 1959,
the flow was observed to be seriously diminished below Newbridge, Oregon. At
this time the discharge of Eagle Creek above the uppermost diversion in Eagle
Valley was estimated to be 150 c.f.s. Instantaneous temperature and flow records
for various locations on Eagle Creek are presented in Table 114. Daily maximum
and minimum temperatures obtained in the summer of 1959 near Skull Creek (10.5
miles above the mouth of Eagle Creek) are presented in Figure 151. Other temperature and flow observations are presented in Table 115.
Tributaries:
The major tributaries of Eagle Creek are East Eagle and West
Eagle Creeks.
Inventory surveys were made on both of these streams.
1. East Eagle Creek:
East Eagle Creek enters Eagle Creek approximately 22
miles above the mouth (FIgure 146). This tributary originates in a large cirque
just west of Eagle Cap and flows approximately 15 miles through mountainous terrain prior to joining the main stream.
Table 114. Spot 0bservation of Toinperature and Flow
f or Eagle Creek, Grouped by Months, 1953-59.
Flow in
Temt,. F.
Location in Miles
Date
1-2-58
1-30-58
1-9-59
2-20-58
2-11-59
3-10-58
5-12-58
5-15-58
5-27-58
7-23-58
7-30-59
8-31-53
8-8-54
8-18-54
8-10-55
8-10-55
8-10-55
8-17-55
8-22-55
8-22-55
8-22-55
8-28-55
8-28-55
8-12-56
8-18-56
8-18-56
8-18-56
8-19-56
8-24-56
8-4-59
8-4-59
8-4-59
8-4-59
8-4-59
8-4-59
9-3-55
9-5-56
9-3-57
9-3-57
9-3-57
9-3-57
9-3-57
9-3-57
9-17-58
9-17-58
9-18-58
9-18-58
9-18-58
9-18-58
9-18-58
10-21-58
12-2-58
AbyI
II
11
11
U
11
U
U
11
11
10
29
12.5
19
29
21
21.5
Mouth
29
22
20
22.5
21.5
30
30
22.5
29.5
29.5
30
18
11
10
9
8
7.5
5
18
29.5
29
18
18
14.5
14.5
31
33.5
31
11
30
28
26.5
11
11
11:55 a.m.
11:00 á.rn.
11:00 aan.
3:00 p.m.
10:40 a.m.
10:30 a,m.
11:00 a.m.
4:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
4:45 p.m.
11:05
rn.
5:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
11:30 a.m.
1:40 p.m.
2.30 p.m.
10:20 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
1.35 p.m.
8:10 a.m.
11:20 a.m.
9:30 a.in.
11:00 a.m.
1:25 p.m.
4:45 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
10:20 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
10:35 a.m,
10:25 a,m.
10:30 a.in.
12:45 p.m.
1:45 p.m.
2:45 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
11:15 a.m.
2:05 p.m.
10:40 aan.
11:00 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
2:10 p.m.
2:50 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
*377-
28
34
69
46
30
43
45
65
80
89
83
---
-81
86
8].
70
47
70
68
72
72
-86
86
--
-
86
84
94
94
83
83
77
82
62
---76
60
62
32
34
52
39
99
105
119
319
135
139
33
33
40
47
45
65
56
1,870
1,260
2,380
55
15
48
55
55
62
62
49
50
55
62
54
54
50
52
60
52
52
269
--
2.5
-
100
52
38
42
38
38
OFC
It
USGS
OFC
ft
USGS
OFC
I,
'I
It
ft
70
70
70
25-30
50
35
It
I,
60
60
60
49
68
It
ft
70
80
30
70
52
ft
10
-47
52
50
58
48
ft
I,
158
100
100
100
100
100
53
USGS
40
59
46
o
40
50
61
69
66
Source
150
53
62
62
63
63
63
62
-
20
25
119
25
35
ft
'I
USGS
OFC
ft
11
119
140
USGS
ft
Maximum
F
F'
'I
/\
/ ''
/
t#
I
___,A\/"
4,
IlV
I
/
/
V
Ii A
I'.
I
V \J
Ninirnun
I10
20
June
30
10
10
30
20
July
Augu8t
1959
Figure 151. Daily Maximum and Minimum Temperatures
For Eagle Creek Near Skull Creek During the Sumror of 1959.
(Data collected and corpiled by the U S Geological Survey.
Temprture station located at USGS gaging station
near Skull Creek, 10.5 miles above the mouth of Eagle Creek )
20
JO
September
Table 115. Spot Observations of Temperature and Flow
at Various Locations on East Eagle Creek,
Location in Miles
Ab.v; th M, t,.
8-10-55
8-28-55
8-30-56
9-5-56
8-26-59
8-26-59
8-26-59
3.5
3.5
4
3.5
4
4
Mouth
Tim
2:30
1:25
1:25
11:15
12:00
1:00
2:30
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
a,m.
noon
p.m.
p.m.
Tenp, in 'F
Wato
Air
81
74
65
64
-73
74
62
Eat. Flow
40
58
46
45
47
53
56
60-70
Observations on East Eagle Creek consist of an aerial survey made over an
8-mile section of stream above Mine Creek on June 1, 1959, and a foot survey of
the lower 3.5 miles on August 26, 1959. The 1.5-mile stream length which separates these 2 areas comprises an index unit for spawning ground observations and
was, therefore, not resurveyed. In the lower 5 miles, East Eagle Creek is accessible by road from Main Eagle Creek. Above the end of the road, a trail ascends
the streanito the source.
In the upper reaches, East Eagle Creek flows through a deep, formerly glaciated canyon, the slopes of which are composed of predominantly rock. With the
exception of occasional park-like areas, the gradient is steep to torrential
with falls and cataracts present. At approximately 1 mile above the end of the
road the canyon widens somewhat and the gradient decreases, but still remains
generally steep to the mouth. However, from shortly below the roads and to approximately 1.5 miles downstream, the gradient moderates in places to form a
gravel bottom. Throughout the surveyed area the slope and bank cover consists
of rock, conifers, and grasses with the vegetative cover becoming more abundant
in the lower 8 or 9 miles. Although the scarcity of cover in the upper canyon
leaves the strean' openly exposed in places, the stream temperature remains moderate due to the protection afforded by the canyon walls and the prevailing cool
climate of the region.
The observed gravel concentrations on East Eagle Creek extend from the bridge
near the mouth of Lime Creek downstream approximately 1.25 miles (Figure 146).
Within this section of stream, 30 per cent of the upper half mile was estimated
to be suited to the spawning requirements of salmon and steelhead, and 10 per
cent of the lower 0.75 mile was considered suitable. Also, a limited amount of
gravel is knQwn to exist in a 0.75-mile section of stream above Lime Creek. The
remaining part of the stream section on which ground observations were made was
estimated to be 0-5 per cent suited to spawning. No estimate of the gravel component of the section of aerial survey has been attempted. However, the steep
to torrential gradient existent in much of this section is indicative of generally poor spawning conditions. In addition, impassable falls (Po-EEE-2) obstruct
the passage of fish to high altitude meadow areas where gravel is likely to be
present.
With the exception of the impassable falls on upper East Eagle Creek, no
other barriers are known to exist on this stream. These falls were observed
during the aerial survey and consist of 3 individual formations located approximate].y 13 miles above the stream mouth.
One small, unscreened diversion ditch (Fo-EEE-l) was noted on East Eagle
Creek just below the bridge located 0.25 mile above East Eagle Mine (Figure 146).
OnAugust 26, 1959, this ditch was flowing approximately 1 c.f.s.
Conditions of stream flow and temperature on East Eagle Creek during the
summer are believed to be generally favorable to the production of anadromous
salxnonids.
During the survey of August 8, 1959, the maximum recorded water temperature was 56°F. at 2:30 p.m. at the mouth, and the flow was estimated to be
60 to 70 c.f.s. Additional temperature arid flow data obtained from the records
of spawning ground surveys are presented in Table 115.
In general, the tributaries of East Eagle Creek have steep gradients occurring within a short distance above the mouths. None of these small streams were
surveyed.
No sites which appeared suited to impoundment or hatchery use were noted on
East Eagle Creek.
2. West Eagle Creek:
West Eagle Creek enters Main Eagle Creek approximately
27 miles above the mouth. The stream originates at Echo Lake just over the divide
from the upper Minam River and flows approximately 8 miles before joining the
main stem (Figure 146).
Inventory surveys were conducted on West Eagle Creek on September 16 and
18, 1958, over the lower 5.5 miles, At the time of the surveys, the stream above
the lower half mile was accessible by trail only. More recently a logging road
has been constructed which extends from the South Fork of Catherine Creek (Grande
Ronde Drainage) to West Eagle Meadows.
In approximately the uppermost 2 miles, West Eagle Creek flows through a
deep canyon which has a steep to torrential gradient. At the lower end of this
section, the canyon broadens to form West Eagle Meadows, and the gradient becomes
moderate for the next 2 miles, Within the area of reduced gradient, the bottom
deposits are estimated to be 40 per cent gravel (Figure 152). The gravel is of
granitic origin and a considerable quantity of fines are present in the form of
decomposed rock particles and granitic sand. Below the meadow areas, the gradient again steepena and the bottom materials in the lower 3.5 or 4 miles of the
stream are composed almost entirely of boulders and rubble.
The slope and bank cover on West Eagle Creek is predominantly coniferous
timber. Much of this timber is currently being logged. At the time of the survey, the shading of the stream was classified as moderate with the exception of
West Eagle Meadows, where the stream is openly exposed.
Although available data are scarce, it is believed that temperature conditions present on West Eagle Creek are favorable to the production of salmon and
steelhead. This opinion is substantiated by temperature records for upper main
Eagle Creek, which is comparable with West Eagle Creek, as regards factors that
influence the lotic thermal environment.
Figure 152.
The Upper End of West Eagle Meadows
Depicting thsradient arid Abundance of Gravel in
This Area. Salmon are net Known to Use W. Eagle Cr.
Figure 153. This Jam on West Eagle Cr. Near Trout
Creek Appeared to be a Serious Barrier on 9-16-58.
Good Gravel Areas Exist above this Obstruction.
Figure l5L.
Phillips Ditch Darn on West Eagle Creek.
With Stop Boards, this Dam is about 5 Feet High. Note
the Low Flow and Poor Jumping Condition Below Dam.
The status of summer flow on the lower 3 miles of West Eagle Creek is believed to be frequently unfavorable. This is due primarily to the withdrawal of
a large proportion of the flow for irrigation pux'pose3 at Phillips ditch (Po-EWE-5)j
located about 3 miles above the stream mouth. On the survey of September 16, 1958,
at least half of the estimated 15 c.f.s. discharge was being diverted into this
ditch, and the stream below the diversion appeared impassable to adult salmon or
steelhead. Flow and temperature data obtained on the survey of West Eagle Creek
are as follows:
Flow in
Teurn.
Date
T iine
Air
Water
c.f.s.
Location in
Miles Above
the M.ut.
9-16-58
12:45 p.m.
64
49
8
9-16-58
2:30 p.m.
61
52
15
9-16-58
3:15 p.m.
--
54
15
9-16-58
6:00 p.m.
60
49
8
9-18-58
3:10 p.m.
52
10
3
Mouth
West Eagle Meadows was the only area observed on the survey of West Eagle
Creek which appeared suitable for impoundment use. These meadows comprise sufficient acreage for the construction of large off-channel impoundments. No sites
were observed which appeared suitable for hatchery construction.
Obstructions observed on West Eagle Creek consist of 3 log jams (Po-EWE-2-4)
and 1 irrigation dam (Po-EWE-l). Two of the jams are of large size and may form
serious obstructions. The uppermost jam (FIgure 153) (Po-EWE-4) was formed over
what appeared to be a low falls. It was observed just above the mouth of Trout
Creek. The middle jam (Po-E4E-3) was estimated to be 15 feet in height and 100
feet In length. This barrier is located a short distance below Grove Creek. The
lowermost jam (Po-EWE-2) was observed about 0.25 to 0.5 mile above the road bridge
which crosses West Eagle Creek near the mouth. This jam was of moderate size and
appeared potentially serious, The observed dam (Po-EWE.-1) is located about 3
miles above the mouth of West Eagle Creek, between Jim and Grove Creeks, and
diverts water into Phillips ditch (Po-EWE-5). This barrier is approximately 5
feet in height with stop boards In place and 2.5 to 3 feet in height without the
boards (Figure 154). Very poor jumping conditions exist at the base of the structure. Also, as previously stated, the diversion of much of the stream flow into
Phillips ditch creates an Impassable situation below this point during periods
of reduced discharge.
Phillips ditch was the only diversion noted on West Eagle Creek. This diversion Is an interstream canal which conveys water to the East Fork of Goose Creek
and ultimately to Balm Creek, both of the Powder River Drainage. Phillips ditch
is unscreened. The locations of the aforementioned obstructions are presented in
Figure 146.
None of the tributaries of West Eagle Creek were surveyed. However, the
following observations of temperature and flow were made at the mouths of some
of these small streams on September 16, 1958:
Grove Creek
Flow under ]. c.f.s.
Water 47°F. at 1:10 p.m.
Jim Creek
Flow 3 c,f.s.
Water 48°F. at
1:25 p.m.
Trout Creek
Flow
3 c.f.e.
Water 46°F. at
4:25 p.m.
Fake Creek
Flow 3 c.f.s.
ions
Spring chinook salmon and stosihead trout are the only anadromous salmonids
known to utilize the Eagle Creek Drainage.
Oregon Fish Commission biologists have conducted spawning
Spring Chinook:
ground surveys on Eagle Creek since 1953. / Prior to 1956, the surveys were
concerned primarily with determining areas of concentrated usage, and since that
time, a standard index unit has been observed. The results of the various surveys are presented in Table 116, which indicates that good numbers of spring chinook entered Eagle Creek in 1957.
Additional information, not shown in Table 116, are avaflable regarding the
1956 escapement of chinook salmon into Eagle Creek. In this instance, an Oregon
Game Commission screen maintenance man observed a total of 234 chinook carcasses
One hundred-forty-nine of the dead fish were found at rotary
on this stream.
screen installations on irrigation ditches, arid the remainder were observed in
the vicinity of the Two Color Guard Station, including 1]. dead salmon sighted on
East Eagle Creek.
Table 116. Spawning Ground Counts
of Spring Chinook Salmon on Eagle Creek.
Date and
Year
Numbers of Fish
Dead
Live
Numbers
of Redds
6
20
30
3
0
3.
8-28 - 9-3-55
3
2
16
8-18-56
8
1
17
155
74
319
3
0
4
8-31-53
93.57
8-27-59
/
Remark
5-mile area surveyed-spot checks
over additional 2.5 miles.
7.5 miles surveyed-spot check
over additional 2 miles.
5 miles surveyed.
8.5 miles surveyed.
personnel.
j AU surveys conducted by Oregon Fish Commission
Creek.
which no survey was made on Eagle
/ Exclusive of the year 1958, in
-383-
Observations have shown that spring chinook spawn over a wide area on Eagle
Creek. These fish are commonly observed on upper Eagle Creek between Boulder
Park and the Two Color Guard Station and on lower Eagle Creek, just a, few miles
above Newbridge, Oregon. Also, spawning occurs in at least limited densities
through much of the area separating those 2 points. As indicated by 'the survey
data of 1957, the areas of concentrated spawning on lower Eagle Creek are ri the
6-mile length of stream extending from Paddy Creek to 1 mile below the mouth of
Little Eagle Creek, and in the 1-mile stream section between Cougar Meadows and
Two Color Guard Station.
Spawning ground observations of spring chinook have been made on East Eagle
Creek since 1954 (Table 117). j/ On this stream, the area of concentrated
spawning has been from Lime Creek downstream 1.25 miles, As on Eagle Creek, a
large escapement of spring chinook entered East Eagle Creek in 1957.
Table 118 presents the recârds of the Oregon game Commission concerning the
trapping of juvenile chinook at irrigation ditch screen installations on Eagle
Creek. As indicated by these records, the chinook outmigration may occur at
least from March into November, but the peak downstream movement is in September,
October, and November.
No substantiated irforxnation is available concerning the utilization of
West Eagle Creek by spring chinook. It has been reported that this stream is not
used by spring chinook and no rodds or carcasses of chinook were noted in gravel
areas of West Eagle Creek on September 16, 1958.
Table 1].?. Spawning Ground Counts of Spring Chinook
'Within an Index Unit on East Eagle Creek.
Date and
Year
Numbers
of Fish
Numbers
of Redds
8-18-54
0
8-22-55
0
8-18 - 9-5-56
3
7
84
92
1957 2;i'
242
75
8-26-59
3
2
9-3-57
Salmon
/ Survey data obtained from Annual Report of the Oregon State Game Commission
Fisheries Division for the year 1957. Survey by Oregon Game Commission
personnel. All other surveys made by the Oregon Fish Commission.
1/
Except for the year 1958, in which no epawning ground surveys were conducted
on East Eagle Creek.
-384-
Table 118. Monthly Catch Records of Juvenile Salmon
Captured in By-Pass Traps at Irrigation-Ditch
Fish-Screen Installations on Eagle Creek.
J
Year
Period
of Capture
10-30
1953
3-24
1954
3-24 to 10-30
1955
4-16 to 10-30
1956
9-1 to 10-30
1957
7-1 to 11-15
1958
4-24 to 11-7
to
Total
May
June
Month of Capture
Auz
July
Seat.
Oct.
3)3
1,445
2,148
710
927
2,882
19,920
105
237
569
3,198
0
63
295
Mar.
Apr.
139
342
15
30
140
426
--- --- -
14
215
463
96
59
198
37
---
25,153
Nov.
Total
4,572
4,705
358
0
0
28].
538
953
7,092
5,168
14,032
15
0
45
310
340
6,328
10,816
954
18,808
1,246
125
327
1,546
2,355
12,240
43,469
6,122
67,628
/ Data provided by Oregon Game Connuission.
Very little is known concerning the distribution of stocihead
SteeTheed:
in the Eagle Creek Drainage. However, it is assumed that those I ish are present
wherever conditions are favorable to their existence. Probably the larger streams
such as M&in Eagle, East Eagle, and West Eagle (if accessible), and Little Eagle
have populations of etesihead, Also, steoJ.head may spawn in the accessible parts
of some of the numerous small, steep tributaries. One report has been received
regarding the presence of etceihead on Little Eagle Creek. / This information
indicates that 27 adultsteolhoad wore observed on Little Eagle Creek in the section extending from approximately 3.5 to 6,5 miles above the mouth on May 30, 1956.
Table 119 presents the records of the Oregon Game Commission concerning the
trapping of juvenile rainbows at irrigation ditch fish screen installations on
Eagle Creek. These data suggest that the steelhead outmigration occurs from
March into November and that the greatest numbers of downstream migrants a-re
available to the traps in August, September, October, and November.
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Suggested methods for increasing the production of anadroinóus salmonids in
the Eagle Creek Drainage include the investigation of certain environmental factors on West Eagle and upper Eagle Creeks in conjunction with possible fish introductions, the removal of barriers on Eagle and West Eagle Creeks, the screening
of open irrigation ditches if this is needed, and the possible use of a drip
incubator station and impoundments for the artificial propagation of salmon.
Fish Transplants
Spring Chinook Salmon
The presence of abundant gravel and pool area on
upper Eagle Creek, from Boulder Park to 1 mile below the Two Color Guard Station
(3 miles), suggests a good potential for the production of salmon in this section
of stream. However, spawning ground observations made in this area during several
recent years have indicated relatively slight utilization by adult chinool'. Also,
a similar situation exists on West Eagle Creek in the vicinity of and immediately
below West Eagle Meadows, with the exception that there has been no evidence,
whatsoever, of the presence of chinook in this area. Although the apparently
complete lack of chinook on West Eagle Creek may be due to obstacles which prec].ude fish migration to and from the spawning area, there is an indication that
other factors are involved which may restrict production both on this stream and
on upper Eagle Creek.
In this regard, there is reason to believe that the considerable quantity of fines (sand and small particles of granitic rock), present
in the gravel in these areas may be unfavorable to the production of salmon. It
might be conjectured that such a condition would be detrimental to the propagation
of salmon in 2 ways:
(1) due to the presence of excessive quantities of fines,
the gravel may be unstable and easily subject to erosion and, (2) the permeability
of the gravel may be reduced resulting in unfavorable oxygen levels in the vic-inity
of egg masses. Information concerning these questionable conditions can be obtained by conducting permeability tests with a device such as the Mark VI standpipe and by the use of experimental plants of eggs to determine the influence of
scouring on the survival of spawn. If, following investigation, the incubational
environments In the aforementioned sections of West Eagle and Eagle Creeks are
found to be satisfactory, it is recommended that systematic releases of juvenile
spring chinook be made, in the one can to establish a run, and in the other to
If at all possible, native stocks
bring about an Increase in existing production.
of fish should be utilized for transplant purposes.
/
Correspondence, Oregon Game Commission.
_386-
Table 119. Monthly Catch Records of Juvenile Rainbow-Steelhead
Trout Captured in By-Pass Traps at Irrigation-Ditch
Fish-Screen Installations on Eagle Creek. j/
Period
of Ca,ture
Year
Mar
A.r.
Month of Canture
Atg,
July
June
Sen
Oct.
Nov.
-
Total
1953
3-24 - 10-30
100
646
484
587
186
344
1,540
4,008
1954
3-24 - 10-30
80
82].
301
305
619
1,234
2,316
5,474
1955
4-16 -- 10-30
364
709
334
491
1,203
2,449
5,865
1956
8-]. - 10-30
--
--
136
118
940
1,194
2,388
1957
5-24 - 11-15
519
422
441
2,939
3,940
314
8,616
1958
4-24 - 11-7
Total.
J
180
7,895
11,150
11,415
70
0
38
195
231
1,106
2,637
239
4,516
1,901
1,535
1,783
1,913
3,589
10,468
22,864
1,747
45,980
Data from Oregon Game Commission.
Impoundments
and Hatcheries
Opportunities for the rearing of salmon in impoundments on Eagle Creek appear
to be excellent. Impoundment sites are pentifu]. and conditions of flow and temperature above the irrigated areas of central and lower Eagle Val].eyare favorable. In conjunction with establishing a run of spring chinook in West Eagle
Creek and with otherwise increasing the production of these fish on Eagle Creek,
it is recommended that the roaring of salmon in impoundments be undertaken, if
this method is proved to be satisfactory by initial experimentation currently
being carried out by the various fisheries agencies.
In regard to the production of fry for release into impoundments, it may be
advantageous to construct a drip incubator station in Eagle Valley. Such a facility would also be useful in the event that Eagle Creek chinook 'ire one day utilized as donor stock for the introduction of fish into former production areas of
the Powder and North Powder Rivers.
Obstructions
nd Diversions
West Eagle Creek:
It is recommended that the 3 log jams (Po-E-2-4) observed on West Eagle Creek be removed (Figure 146). The 2 larger jams may be
serious migration blocks and restrict the passage of spring chinook and steelhead
to gravel areas existing in the vicinity of West Eagle Meadows.
It is
further recoinwended that Phillips ditch (Po-EWE-5) be investigated for
possible screoning. Because this large ditch may often take a majority of the
flow of West Eagle Creek, the diversion of downstream migrants appears to be a
necessity. This ditch may be an additional reason why no evidence of spring chinook was observed on West Eagle Creek during the inventory survey in September of
1958.
In conjunction with the screening of Phillips ditch, passage should be assured
at Phillips ditch dam during the migration period of spring chinook. At the present time, the numbers of observations at this structure have not been sufficient
to determine if an obstruction exists during the migration period.
Eagle Creek
Four log jams (Po-E-1, 3, and 4) are recommended for removal
on Eagle Creek (Table 113 and Figure 146). All of these jams are situated below
gravel concentrations of important quantity.
Further observation to study passage conditions at the falls (Po-E-2) located
1.25 miles above the mouth of Little Eagle Creek is recommended (Figures 146 and
148). It is known that salmon pass above these falls. However, the possibility
of undue delay of fish in ascending this formation should be further investigated.
It is recommended that the small ditch located on Kirby Creek (Po-EK-l)
approximately 1 mile below the intake be investigated to determine the diversion
of fish. If needed, this ditch should be screened.
East Eagle Creek
The small ditch (Po-EEE--l) located just below the bridge
0.25 mile above the East Eagle Mine should be investigated for the diversion of
downstream migrants. If significant numbers of fish are taken by this ditch, it
should be screened.
Recommended stream improvements are listed in the SU}'24ARY OF RECOMMENPIONS
and also in Appendix B Tables.
-388-