Water Resources of Idaho

Characterization of Channel Substrate, and Changes in Suspended-Sediment Transport and Channel Geometry in White Sturgeon Spawning Habitat in the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Following the Closure of Libby Dam
by Gary J. Barton

Water Resources-Investigations Report 03-4324

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The Kootenai River substrate and sediment-transport study is part of an overall effort by local, State, and Federal agencies and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho to improve the Kootenai River white sturgeon spawning habitat. A decline in populations of white sturgeon resulted in its listing as an Endangered Species in 1994. This report describes changes in suspended-sediment transport and channel substrate in the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry after closure of Libby Dam in 1972 and the effects of these changes on the white sturgeon spawning reaches. Historical data on streamflow and suspended sediment in the Kootenai River and tributaries were used to determine suspended-sediment transport during the pre-Libby Dam and Libby Dam eras, and sediment cores and seismic subbottom profiles of the Kootenai River bed in the study area were analyzed to describe channel substrate during each era.

This report is only available on line -- view report (1280K). For further information concerning this report please contact Gary Barton by phone at (253)428-3600 extension 2613 or gbarton@usgs.gov. If you encounter problems viewing this report please contact Linda Channel by phone at (208)387-1305 or email at lchannel@usgs.gov.