Topics Overview
Water Quantity
The Puget Sound basin includes at least thirteen major river systems and numerous tributaries, which can be classified as rainfall-dominated, snowmelt-dominated, or transitional (Ross 2006, Cayan 1996, Bach 2002). Rainfall-dominated rivers exhibit peak flows during winter; snowmelt-dominated rivers have peak flows in late spring and late fall with low winter flows. Transitional rivers exhibit less pronounced high or low flows in the late fall and late spring, and winter. Hydrologic flow patterns are important both ecologically and in terms of consumptive resources. Alteration of historic flow patterns may cause ecological harm and supply disruptions (Wiley and Palmer 2008, Poff et al. 1997). Hydrologic flow regimes in Puget Sound rivers have been altered through the construction of dams for flood control or power generation, or by changes in land cover and climate. Flows in the Skagit, Nisqually, Green, Skokomish, and Cedar rivers are regulated by dams (Puget Sound Partnership 2009c).
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Table 30. Species indicators for which targets have been established in Puget Sound and/or Washington state.
|
Species Indicator |
Target |
Achieved |
Reference |
|
Bald eagle |
Equilibrium population abundance is ~6,000 individuals in WA state |
Yes |
[303] |
|
Harbor seal |
Carrying capacity of 10,000-13,000 individuals (WA inland waters) |
Yes |
This section provides a brief summary of existing targets for Puget Sound including those for species, habitats, water quality, and water quantity.
There are over seventy USGS gauging stations on unregulated rivers and streams in Puget Sound, which are continuously collecting streamflow data. There are over 170 specific metrics that can be used to evaluate different aspects of streamflow. In order to determine which of these is most suitable for Puget Sound, we performed a review of the literature to determine salient management and scientific issues. The management issues of concern and potential indicators are listed below:
|
Management Issue |
Possible Indicator |
|
Climate Change |
Editors
Scott F. Pearson1, Nathalie Hamel2, Steven Walters3, and John Marzluff3
Section Authors
Introduction: Scott F. Pearson1, Steven Walters3, and Nathalie Hamel2
Climate Change: Heather Cornell3
Residential, Commercial and Industrial Development: Steven Walters3
Shoreline Modification: Steven Walters3
Pollution: James West4
Invasive and Non-native Species: Heather Cornell3
Ecosystem Models and Their Evaluation: Scott F. Pearson1 and Steven Walters3
Conclusion: All authors contributed
Background
The hydrologic regime of rivers and streams in the Puget Sound is characterized by peak flows during the winter as a result of heavy precipitation, or during the spring due to snowmelt runoff. Base flows during the summer are low, consisting mainly of groundwater discharge. Base flows can be affected by climate change, urbanization, or groundwater withdrawals. Summer base flow levels are important ecologically because they can define or limit the availability of habitats. Summer base flow levels are important to water resource managers because low flows often coincide with peak consumption.
Here we provide a limited synthesis of stream gauge data to examine trends in freshwater flows with respect to annual and daily flows, timing of flow, low flows and flows relative to instream flow guidelines. This is intended to supplement a review of published information, but we caution that a full analysis of these data and appropriate vetting of methods and interpretations is needed to fully assess the status of freshwater flows. It is our intention that this data compilation and analysis be used to identify data limitations and other key uncertainties with respect to the Puget Sound Partnership Water Quantity Priorities.
Tim Essington1, Terrie Klinger2, Tish Conway-Cranos1,2, Joe Buchanan3, Andy James4, Jessi Kershner1, Ilon Logan2, and Jim West3
1School of Aquatic and Fisheries Science, University of Washington
2School of Marine Affairs, University of Washington
3Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
4Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, University of Washington
Phillip S. Levin1, Andy James2, Jessi Kershner3, Sandra O’Neill1, Tessa Francis1, Jameal Samhouri1, Chris Harvey1, Michael T. Brett2, and Daniel Schindler3
1 NOAA Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA.
2 University of Washington, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
3 University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Seattle Washington
topical_article
By Christopher A. Curran, Christopher S. Magirl, and Jeffrey J. Duda
This document was prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Park Service. Download the entire report, or read the Introduction below.
A recent summary includes information compiled in Winter 2013 by the modeling workgroup of the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP). It describes several ecosystem modeling efforts in the region.
The following article was part of a pilot project at the Encyclopedia of Puget Sound in which University of Washington undergraduates working with the Burke Museum created localized accounts for two iconic amphibian species of the Puget Sound region: the Northern Red-legged Frog and the Pacific Chorus Frog. The Northern Red-legged Frog is described here relative to its local behavior, habitat, threats and morphology.
Climate change is projected to result, on average, in earlier snowmelt and reduced summer flows, patterns that are not well represented in the historical observations used for planning and reliability analyses by water utilities.