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Spring Chinook Distribution by Elevation 
 

The first two charts on this page show the range of spring chinook, elevation and water temperature in Deer Creek and Mill Creek. These Sacramento River tributaries, which are adjacent to Battle Creek, have fewer impediments to migration. The next two charts show the elevation and temperature of North Fork and South Fork Battle Creek and demonstrate that considerable suitable spring chinook habitat exists in both forks if flows are sufficient.

All temperatures were measured in 1995 except for the South Fork Battle Creek where temperature data was based on a composite of 1996 data and 1989 data taken during times of high flow releases by Thomas R. Payne and Associates.

Temperatures in Deer Creek and Mill Creek are suitable for spring chinook only above 2000 and 2400 feet in elevation, respectively. The North Fork Battle Creek would have excellent habitat for spring chinook even in the lowest reaches at less than 1000 feet elevation because cold springs feed the creek. The South Fork also has spring influences and would maintain at least acceptable habitat in its lower reaches under a restored flow regime. The Battle Creek charts also indicate that the mainstem might provide some acceptable habitat for spring chinook holding in wet years.

The charts show average water temperatures in August and July. The colors indicate suitability for spring chinook.

Mill Creek
Mill Creek spring chinook hold between 2400 and 4000 feet in elevation. 1995 water temperatures were optimal in the entire holding reach  (53.1 F to 56.9 F). Figure 5 in the Restoration Plan shows conditions in Mill Creek in 1992, when water flows were considerably lower and temperatures in the holding reach were higher (58.3 F to 62 F).

Graph from Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Plan (Kier Associates 1998)    

Deer Creek
Deer Creek spring chinook hold in reaches that range from 2000 to 3200 feet in elevation. Average water temperature was excellent for spring chinook holding in the upper reaches of (57 F) in 1995 but only acceptable in lower reaches (61.3 F). In 1992, all the holding habitat in Deer Creek was between 60.8 F and 66.5 F (Figure 3 in Restoration Plan). Higher water temperatures were related to low flows in 1992.

Graph from Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Plan (Kier Associates 1998)  

North Fork Battle Creek
The North Fork Battle Creek maintained optimal temperatures for spring chinook holding down to its convergence with the South Fork (<59.9 F). Flows in 1995 were similar to those projected under restoration because more than 30 cfs was being released for flows in the North Fork. High flows help maintain cool temperatures.

Graph from Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Plan (Kier Associates 1998)  

South Fork Battle Creek
South Fork Battle Creek water temperatures shown in this graph are from several water years, but all with flows in the range of projected restored conditions. Temperatures are projected to be optimal to below South Dam (60 F) and acceptable for spring chinook holding below Coleman Dam (63.4 F). It appears that water temperatures in the South Fork would be suitable for spring chinook at elevations below 1000 feet.

Graph from Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Plan (Kier Associates 1998)

Armour, C. L. 1991. Guidance for evaluating and recommending temperature regime to protect fish. Biological Report 90(22). US Fish and Wildlife Service. Ft. Collins, CO. 13 pp. [316kb]**