Kalama Subbasin Summary |
The Kalama River Subbasin is a 205 square mile watershed extending from the southwest slopes of Mount St. Helens to the Columbia River, where it enters at RM 73.1. The watershed is bordered by the Toutle and Coweeman basins to the north and the NF Lewis basin to the south. The headwaters are in Skamania County although 99% of the basin lies within Cowlitz County.
The elevation ranges from sea level at the Columbia River to near 8000 feet on Mount St. Helens. Past eruptions of Mount St. Helens and associated lahars have shaped the landscape of the basin over the past 20,000 years. The lahars left unconsolidated deposits creating slope stability concerns in the steep upper watershed.
The lower basin is low gradient, with tidal influence extending up to RM 2.8. Lower Kalama Falls at RM 10 blocked most anadromous fish access except for summer steelhead until it was laddered in 1936. Only summer steelhead and some spring Chinook are now passed above the falls. The river courses through a narrow V-shaped valley above RM 10. Passage to all anadromous fish is blocked by a falls at RM 35. The upper watershed tributaries have steep gradients only accessible to anadromous fish in the lowest reaches.
Most of the basin is forested and nearly the entire basin is managed for commercial timber production (96%). Only 1.3% is non-commercial forest and 1.5% is cropland. Areas along the lower river have experienced industrial and residential development, resulting in channelization of the lower river. A portion of the upper basin is located within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. National Monument land is managed primarily for natural resource protection and tourism.
Population density and development in the watershed are low. The year 2000 population was approximately 5,300 persons. The City of Kalama, located near the mouth, is the only urban area in the subbasin. Residential development has increased in recent years along the lower mainstem Kalama. Future development pressures are likely to continue to be located within the mainstem river valley and the lower portions of the larger mainstem tributaries.
Source: Lower Columbia Province Plan
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Status and Trends of Focal Species in Kalama Subbasin |
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Species |
ESU |
MPG |
Population |
Biological Objective (s) |
Biological Status |
Federal Status |
Data / Charts |
Fall Chinook |
Lower Columbia |
Cascade Fall |
Kalama |
Draft Recovery Plan Criteria : 500 natural adults 298
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NOSA Estimate
2015: 3,598 spawners (natural)474
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Threatened |
Status & Trends |
Spring Chinook |
Lower Columbia |
Cascade Spring |
Kalama |
Draft Recovery Plan Criteria : 300 natural adults298
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Adult Escapement (natural)
2014: 187 adults (natural)117
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Threatened |
Status & Trends |
Chum |
Columbia River |
Cascade |
Kalama |
Draft Recovery Plan Criteria : 900 natural adults 298
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Unknown
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Threatened |
No Data |
Coho |
Lower Columbia |
Cascade |
Kalama |
Draft Recovery Plan Criteria : 500 natural adults298
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NOSA Estimate
2015: 239 spawners 474
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Threatened |
Status & Trends |
Coastal Cutthroat |
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Subbasin Plan Objective : None300
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Unknown
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Species of Concern |
No Data |
Summer Steelhead |
Lower Columbia |
Cascade Summer |
Kalama |
Draft Recovery Plan Criteria : 500 natural adults298
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Adult Escapement (natural)
2015: 814 adults (natural)116
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Threatened |
Status & Trends |
Winter Steelhead |
Lower Columbia |
Cascade Winter |
Kalama |
Draft Recovery Plan Criteria : 600 natural adults 298
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NOSA Estimate
2015: 2,106 spawners474
Juvenile Outmigrants
2017: 14,043 juveniles (summer and winter)474
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Threatened |
Status & Trends |
View abundance data for Kalama Subbasin
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Hatcheries located in Kalama Subbasin |
**Hatchery data will be updated in 2016** |
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Hatchery Releases and Returns to Kalama Subbasin363, 360 |
**Hatchery data will be updated in 2016** |
Some releases into subbasins may be from hatcheries located in other provinces and subbasins. Hatchery releases of anadromous fish, within the geographic range of an ESU/DPS, are listed accordingly. |
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Hatchery / Acclimation Pond |
Species |
ESU/DPS |
Released in 2009 |
Returns to Collection Facility in 2009 |
Data as of |
Fallert Creek Hatchery
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Coho |
Lower Columbia River Coho ESU |
327,984
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2,721
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Fall Chinook |
Lower Columbia River Chinook ESU |
2,569,453
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46
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Spring Chinook |
Lower Columbia River Chinook ESU |
149,362
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Summer Steelhead |
Lower Columbia River Steelhead DPS |
30,651
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5
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Gobar Rearing Pond
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Spring Chinook |
Lower Columbia River Chinook ESU |
285,560
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Summer Steelhead |
Lower Columbia River Steelhead DPS |
56,583
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Winter Steelhead |
Lower Columbia River Steelhead DPS |
64,990
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Kalama Falls Salmon Hatchery
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Coho |
Lower Columbia River Coho ESU |
355,338
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7,589
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Fall Chinook |
Lower Columbia River Chinook ESU |
2,957,203
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4,278
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Spring Chinook |
Lower Columbia River Chinook ESU |
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940
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Summer Steelhead |
Lower Columbia River Steelhead DPS |
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497 (additional 1,316 adults of mixed origin)
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Winter Steelhead |
Lower Columbia River Steelhead DPS |
56,175
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259 (additional 1,129 adults of mixed origin)
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8 / 30 / 2010
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Recovery Status for ESA-Listed Salmon and Steelhead in the Kalama Subbasin369 |
Updated : 5/27/2010
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Species |
Population |
Abundance Threshold |
Mean Abundance |
Major Spawning Area |
Growth Rate |
Recruits / Spawners |
Current Viability |
Summer Steelhead |
Kalama River |
500 |
500 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Medium |
Winter Steelhead |
Kalama River |
470 |
300 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Low |
Fall Chinook |
Kalama River |
700 |
<50 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Very Low |
Spring Chinook |
Kalama River |
-- |
100 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Very Low |
Coho |
Kalama River |
-- |
<50 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Very Low |
Chum |
Kalama River |
-- |
<100 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Very Low |
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Limiting Factors in the Kalama Subbasin 362 |
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Key Limiting Factor |
Impairment |
Habitat Affected |
Threat Type |
Threat Name |
Life Stage(s) |
Description |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Access and Availability; Morphological Changes |
Estuary |
Agricultural Practices; Urbanization |
Diking; Filling; Riparian Degradation; Wetland Loss |
Smolts |
Historical complex habitats have been modified through channelization, diking, development and other practices. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Floodplain |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; |
Fry |
Forest practices and high road densities have resulted in diminished floodplain connectivity and function. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Riparian |
Forest Management |
Riparian Degradation |
Fry, adults |
Riparian vegetation is lacking throughout the subbasin due to forest practices of the 1960’s through 1980’s. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Instream |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Riparian Degradation; Wood/Structure Removal |
Fry, adults |
Low levels of large woody debris contribute to the lack of habitat diversity throughout the subbasin. |
Instantaneous Mortality |
Pathogens |
-- |
Artificial Propogation |
Disease Amplification and Transfer |
Adults |
Pathogens from hatcheries may limit productivity. |
Sediment Conditions |
Increased Sediment Quantity |
Freshwater-Instream |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; Sediment: Upland Disturbance |
All |
Excessive sedimentation related to past forest practices and high road density is a problem throughout the subbasin. |
Water Quality |
Temperature |
-- |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Water: Temperature and Gas Alteration |
All |
The lower 10 miles of the Kalama River and Fallert Creek are on the Washington state 303(d) list for exceeding temperature standards. Temperature is especially a problem at the mouth, where sediments have created a wide, shallow channel. |
Water Quantity |
Altered Flow Timing |
-- |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Water: Runoff Coefficient Variation |
All |
Past forest practices and high road densities have altered flow patterns throughout the subbasin. |
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Key Limiting Factor |
Impairment |
Habitat Affected |
Threat Type |
Threat Name |
Life Stage(s) |
Description |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Floodplain |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; |
Juveniles, adults |
Forest practices and high road densities have resulted in diminished floodplain connectivity and function. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Riparian |
Forest Management |
Riparian Degradation |
Juveniles, adults |
Riparian vegetation is lacking throughout the subbasin due to forest practices of the 1960’s through 1980’s. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Instream |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Riparian Degradation; Wood/Structure Removal |
Juveniles, adults |
Low levels of large woody debris contribute to the lack of habitat diversity throughout the subbasin. |
Sediment Conditions |
Increased Sediment Quantity |
Freshwater-Instream |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; Sediment: Upland Disturbance |
All |
Excessive sedimentation related to past forest practices and high road density is a problem throughout the subbasin. |
Water Quality |
Temperature |
-- |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Water: Temperature and Gas Alteration |
All |
The lower 10 miles of the Kalama River and Fallert Creek are on the Washington state 303(d) list for exceeding temperature standards. Temperature is especially a problem at the mouth, where sediments have created a wide, shallow channel. |
Water Quantity |
Altered Flow Timing |
-- |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Water: Runoff Coefficient Variation |
All |
Past forest practices and high road densities have altered flow patterns throughout the subbasin. |
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Key Limiting Factor |
Impairment |
Habitat Affected |
Threat Type |
Threat Name |
Life Stage(s) |
Description |
Food |
Competition |
-- |
Artificial Propogation |
Intraspecific Interaction |
Summer parr |
Hatchery releases lead to competition with naturally produced juveniles. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Access and Availability; Morphological Changes |
Estuary |
Agricultural Practices; Urbanization |
Diking; Filling; Riparian Degradation; Wetland Loss |
Smolts |
Historical complex habitats have been modified through channelization, diking, development and other practices. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Floodplain |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; |
Juveniles |
Forest practices and high road densities have resulted in diminished floodplain connectivity and function. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Riparian |
Forest Management |
Riparian Degradation |
Juveniles, adults |
Riparian vegetation is lacking throughout the subbasin due to forest practices of the 1960’s through 1980’s. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Instream |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Riparian Degradation; Wood/Structure Removal |
Juveniles, adults |
Low levels of large woody debris contribute to the lack of habitat diversity throughout the subbasin. |
Instantaneous Mortality |
Anthropogenic Mortality |
-- |
Fishery Management |
Harvest |
Adults |
Coho are subject to both ocean and freshwater harvest. |
Instantaneous Mortality |
Predation |
-- |
Fishery Management |
Species Introduction |
Summer parr |
Non-native species introductions have lead to community shifts and predation issues. |
Sediment Conditions |
Increased Sediment Quantity |
Freshwater-Instream |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; Sediment: Upland Disturbance |
All |
Excessive sedimentation related to past forest practices and high road density is a problem throughout the subbasin. |
Water Quality |
Temperature |
-- |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Water: Temperature and Gas Alteration |
Eggs, summer parr |
The lower 10 miles of the Kalama River and Fallert Creek are on the Washington state 303(d) list for exceeding temperature standards. Temperature is especially a problem at the mouth, where sediments have created a wide, shallow channel. |
Water Quantity |
Altered Flow Timing |
-- |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Water: Runoff Coefficient Variation |
Eggs, winter parr |
Past forest practices and high road densities have altered flow patterns throughout the subbasin. |
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Key Limiting Factor |
Impairment |
Habitat Affected |
Threat Type |
Threat Name |
Life Stage(s) |
Description |
Food |
Competition |
-- |
Artificial Propogation |
Intraspecific Interaction |
Summer parr |
Hatchery releases lead to competition with naturally produced juveniles. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Access and Availability; Morphological Changes |
Estuary |
Agricultural Practices; Urbanization |
Diking; Filling; Riparian Degradation; Wetland Loss |
Smolts |
Historical complex habitats have been modified through channelization, diking, development and other practices. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Floodplain |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; |
Juveniles |
Forest practices and high road densities have resulted in diminished floodplain connectivity and function. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Riparian |
Forest Management |
Riparian Degradation |
Juveniles, adults |
Riparian vegetation is lacking throughout the subbasin due to forest practices of the 1960’s through 1980’s. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Instream |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Riparian Degradation; Wood/Structure Removal |
Juveniles, adults |
Low levels of large woody debris contribute to the lack of habitat diversity throughout the subbasin. |
Instantaneous Mortality |
Anthropogenic Mortality |
-- |
Fishery Management |
Harvest |
Adults |
Fall Chinook are subject to both ocean and freshwater harvest. |
Instantaneous Mortality |
Predation |
-- |
Fishery Management |
Species Introduction |
Summer parr |
Non-native species introductions have lead to community shifts and predation issues. |
Sediment Conditions |
Increased Sediment Quantity |
Freshwater-Instream |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; Sediment: Upland Disturbance |
All |
Excessive sedimentation related to past forest practices and high road density is a problem throughout the subbasin. |
Water Quality |
Temperature |
-- |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Water: Temperature and Gas Alteration |
Eggs, summer parr |
The lower 10 miles of the Kalama River and Fallert Creek are on the Washington state 303(d) list for exceeding temperature standards. Temperature is especially a problem at the mouth, where sediments have created a wide, shallow channel. |
Water Quantity |
Altered Flow Timing |
-- |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Water: Runoff Coefficient Variation |
Eggs, winter parr |
Past forest practices and high road densities have altered flow patterns throughout the subbasin. |
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Key Limiting Factor |
Impairment |
Habitat Affected |
Threat Type |
Threat Name |
Life Stage(s) |
Description |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Access and Availability; Morphological Changes |
Estuary |
Agricultural Practices; Urbanization |
Diking; Filling; Riparian Degradation; Wetland Loss |
Smolts |
Historical complex habitats have been modified through channelization, diking, development and other practices. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Floodplain |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; |
Juveniles |
Forest practices and high road densities have resulted in diminished floodplain connectivity and function. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Riparian |
Forest Management |
Riparian Degradation |
Juveniles |
Riparian vegetation is lacking throughout the subbasin due to forest practices of the 1960’s through 1980’s. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Instream |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Riparian Degradation; Wood/Structure Removal |
Juveniles |
Low levels of large woody debris contribute to the lack of habitat diversity throughout the subbasin. |
Sediment Conditions |
Increased Sediment Quantity |
Freshwater-Instream |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; Sediment: Upland Disturbance |
All |
Excessive sedimentation related to past forest practices and high road density is a problem throughout the subbasin. |
Water Quality |
Temperature |
-- |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Water: Temperature and Gas Alteration |
All |
The lower 10 miles of the Kalama River and Fallert Creek are on the Washington state 303(d) list for exceeding temperature standards. Temperature is especially a problem at the mouth, where sediments have created a wide, shallow channel. |
Water Quantity |
Altered Flow Timing |
-- |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Water: Runoff Coefficient Variation |
Juveniles |
Past forest practices and high road densities have altered flow patterns throughout the subbasin. |
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Key Limiting Factor |
Impairment |
Habitat Affected |
Threat Type |
Threat Name |
Life Stage(s) |
Description |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Access and Availability; Morphological Changes |
Estuary |
Agricultural Practices; Urbanization |
Diking; Filling; Riparian Degradation; Wetland Loss |
Smolts |
Historical complex habitats have been modified through channelization, diking, development and other practices. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Floodplain |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; |
Juveniles |
Forest practices and high road densities have resulted in diminished floodplain connectivity and function. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Riparian |
Forest Management |
Riparian Degradation |
Juveniles |
Riparian vegetation is lacking throughout the subbasin due to forest practices of the 1960’s through 1980’s. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Instream |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Riparian Degradation; Wood/Structure Removal |
Juveniles |
Low levels of large woody debris contribute to the lack of habitat diversity throughout the subbasin. |
Sediment Conditions |
Increased Sediment Quantity |
Freshwater-Instream |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; Sediment: Upland Disturbance |
All |
Excessive sedimentation related to past forest practices and high road density is a problem throughout the subbasin. |
Water Quality |
Temperature |
-- |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Water: Temperature and Gas Alteration |
All |
The lower 10 miles of the Kalama River and Fallert Creek are on the Washington state 303(d) list for exceeding temperature standards. Temperature is especially a problem at the mouth, where sediments have created a wide, shallow channel. |
Water Quantity |
Altered Flow Timing |
-- |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Water: Runoff Coefficient Variation |
Juveniles |
Past forest practices and high road densities have altered flow patterns throughout the subbasin. |
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Key Limiting Factor |
Impairment |
Habitat Affected |
Threat Type |
Threat Name |
Life Stage(s) |
Description |
Food |
Competition |
-- |
Artificial Propogation |
Intraspecific Interaction |
Summer parr |
Hatchery releases lead to competition with naturally produced juveniles. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Access and Availability; Morphological Changes |
Estuary |
Agricultural Practices; Urbanization |
Diking; Filling; Riparian Degradation; Wetland Loss |
Smolts |
Historical complex habitats have been modified through channelization, diking, development and other practices. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Floodplain |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; |
Juveniles |
Forest practices and high road densities have resulted in diminished floodplain connectivity and function. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Riparian |
Forest Management |
Riparian Degradation |
Juveniles |
Riparian vegetation is lacking throughout the subbasin due to forest practices of the 1960’s through 1980’s. |
Habitat Quantity and Quality |
Small-Scale Structural Complexity; Morphological Changes |
Freshwater-Instream |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Riparian Degradation; Wood/Structure Removal |
Juveniles |
Low levels of large woody debris contribute to the lack of habitat diversity throughout the subbasin. |
Instantaneous Mortality |
Pathogens |
-- |
Artificial Propogation |
Disease Amplification and Transfer |
Eggs, summer parr |
Pathogens from hatcheries may limit productivity. |
Instantaneous Mortality |
Predation |
-- |
Fishery Management |
Species Introduction |
Summer parr |
Non-native species introductions have lead to community shifts and predation issues. |
Sediment Conditions |
Increased Sediment Quantity |
Freshwater-Instream |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Riparian Degradation; Sediment: Upland Disturbance |
All |
Excessive sedimentation related to past forest practices and high road density is a problem throughout the subbasin. |
Water Quality |
Temperature |
-- |
Agricultural Practices; Forest Management; Urbanization |
Water: Temperature and Gas Alteration |
All |
The lower 10 miles of the Kalama River and Fallert Creek are on the Washington state 303(d) list for exceeding temperature standards. Temperature is especially a problem at the mouth, where sediments have created a wide, shallow channel. |
Water Quantity |
Altered Flow Timing |
-- |
Forest Management; Urbanization |
Impervious Surfaces (Road Density); Water: Runoff Coefficient Variation |
Juveniles |
Past forest practices and high road densities have altered flow patterns throughout the subbasin. |
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