Water temperature modeling in Mount Rainier National Park
The Issue: Changes in the water temperature and flow regimes of rivers throughout the western United States have contributed to shifts in the ranges of aquatic species that they support. Cold-water species such as fish are sensitive to changes in water temperature, which regulates their physiological functions and behavior.
How USGS will help: A spatial stream network (SSN) model was developed using hydrography of the White River basin stream network, measured water temperature, and covariates derived from physical, hydrologic, and climatological processes hypothesized to influence water temperature. The objective of this model was to improve upon regional SSN models. The model will allow natural resource managers to determine the extent and connectivity of thermally suitable habitat for bull trout and other cold-water species within the White River basin and incorporate this information into habitat conservation plans.
Problem:
Bull trout are sensitive to changes in water temperature, especially at the margins of their range where their habitat is easily fragmented by thermal barriers and thermally suitable habitat becomes disconnected. In addition, non-native fish like introduced eastern brook trout (Salvelinus frontenalis) may displace bull trout from warmer temperature water due to increased growth rates relative to bull trout. Spatial variability of water temperature within a river network is important for natural resource managers to assess the distribution and continuity of habitat for thermally sensitive aquatic species and development of conservation strategies.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to develop a water temperature model for the upper White River which is within the Mount Rainier National Park for August and September and to identify key variables that influence water temperature.
Relevance and Benefits:
This model informs natural resource managers of the extent of suitable habitat for bull trout, which are listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Approach:
This project used existing water temperature data to develop a spatial stream network model that provides estimates of water temperature for August and September.
The Issue: Changes in the water temperature and flow regimes of rivers throughout the western United States have contributed to shifts in the ranges of aquatic species that they support. Cold-water species such as fish are sensitive to changes in water temperature, which regulates their physiological functions and behavior.
How USGS will help: A spatial stream network (SSN) model was developed using hydrography of the White River basin stream network, measured water temperature, and covariates derived from physical, hydrologic, and climatological processes hypothesized to influence water temperature. The objective of this model was to improve upon regional SSN models. The model will allow natural resource managers to determine the extent and connectivity of thermally suitable habitat for bull trout and other cold-water species within the White River basin and incorporate this information into habitat conservation plans.
Problem:
Bull trout are sensitive to changes in water temperature, especially at the margins of their range where their habitat is easily fragmented by thermal barriers and thermally suitable habitat becomes disconnected. In addition, non-native fish like introduced eastern brook trout (Salvelinus frontenalis) may displace bull trout from warmer temperature water due to increased growth rates relative to bull trout. Spatial variability of water temperature within a river network is important for natural resource managers to assess the distribution and continuity of habitat for thermally sensitive aquatic species and development of conservation strategies.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to develop a water temperature model for the upper White River which is within the Mount Rainier National Park for August and September and to identify key variables that influence water temperature.
Relevance and Benefits:
This model informs natural resource managers of the extent of suitable habitat for bull trout, which are listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Approach:
This project used existing water temperature data to develop a spatial stream network model that provides estimates of water temperature for August and September.