Outlet Creek Findings

Water quality conditions (flow and temperature) in the late summer and early fall are limiting juvenile salmonid survival.

Analysis of gage data showed low and absent flow conditions frequently occurred during the months of August and September from the 1950-90s;
Flows were frequently less than 1 cfs and had intermittent flows during the summer of 2004;
Subsurface flow conditions disconnected from the streams in Little Lake Valley from the mainstem of Outlet Creek and the lower reach of Outlet Creek and the mainstem Eel.
Legal and illegal water diversions exist throughout the basin;
Water temperatures were unsuitable on the mainstem with a few tributaries within suitable ranges.

Water quality conditions (flow and fine sediment) in the early winter are limiting adult salmonid upstream spawning migration.

Analysis of gage data showed that low or absent flow conditions frequently occurred during the month of November in the 1980-90s;
Four out of the five dams were built between 1962-89. These dams increased the water impounds 65%.
Local fishery biologists frequently observe adult Chinook salmon unable to migrate up into Outlet Creek for spawning due to low flow conditions upstream.

Fine sediment is contributed to the stream by eroding stream banks, poorly maintained roads, and culverts.

Bank erosion of streams running through Little Lake Valley likely deliver the most fine sediment to the basin. Debris slides located throughout the basin are also a major contributor of fine sediment;
Non-earthflow and earthflow related to naturally occurring erosion (background) contribute the most fine sediment. Non-earthflow from timber harvest, roads, and agriculture/grazing activities is contributing small amounts of fine sediment;
Embeddedness did not meet target values in many locations.

Instream habitat could be improved by increasing canopy, pool depth, structure, and barrier removal.