| Area |
Elk Creek |
| Topic |
Tour: Lower Elk Creek Stream Channel Conditions February 2002 Part 1 |
Click on image to enlarge (112K). Click here to display a larger version (342K).This photo shows lower Elk Creek just off Highway 1 below the bridge. Alders and willow form the riparian of the stream. The prominent point bars and shallow riffle habitat are indicative of an aggraded stream. Photo by Pat Higgins, February 15, 2002.
Click on image to enlarge (119K). Click here to display a larger version (370K).This photo shows a close up of a gravel bar of Elk Creek near Highway 1 with a visual estimate of surface particle sizes less than 2 inches in diameter (50 mm). The small median particle size distribution of the stream bed suggests early stages of recovery from sediment contributions related to logging (see Tour 1: Elk Creek photos by DFG September, 1976). The only wood in the stream appears to be small diameter hardwood. Photo by Pat Higgins, February 15, 2002.
Click on image to enlarge (123K). Click here to display a larger version (382K).This photo shows the small average size of stream gravels and would make them highly mobile during moderate storm events. High bedload mobility at sites likes these can limit salmonid egg and alevin survival. Late season spawning at a location such as this has higher prospects for success if eggs are deposited following the last storm of the season. Photo by Pat Higgins, February 15, 2002.
Click on image to enlarge (126K). Click here to display a larger version (387K).This photo of lower Elk Creek shows small pool formation. The corner of the photo shows water spilling into a riffle in the foreground. The lack of pool depth and complexity is consistent with the high bedload supply and mobility. Photo by Pat Higgins, February 15, 2002.
Click on image to enlarge (124K). Click here to display a larger version (381K).This photo shows a close up of a small pool with good cover and over-hanging willow and alder. Pools greater than three feet deep are the preferred habitats of coho salmon and yearling and older steelhead juveniles. Photo by Pat Higgins, February 15, 2002.
Click on image to enlarge (91K). Click here to display a larger version (283K).This photo of lower Elk Creek shows a densely wooded run and pool formed by narrow alder riparian corridor and would make good summer rearing habitat for juvenile steelhead. Highway 1 is at left. Photo by Pat Higgins, February 15, 2002.
Click on image to enlarge (120K). Click here to display a larger version (596K).This photo is a close up of Elk Creek with excellent cover from riparian hardwoods. This canopy will form a complete umbrella over the stream when it leafs out in spring. Photo by Pat Higgins, February 15, 2002.
Click on image to enlarge (129K). Click here to display a larger version (400K).This photo shows a close up of an aggraded reach on Elk Creek with a lack of channel definition. The channel appears aggraded with small particles. Photo by Pat Higgins, February 15, 2002.
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Click on image to enlarge (112K). Click here to display a larger version (342K).
Click on image to enlarge (119K). Click here to display a larger version (370K).
Click on image to enlarge (123K). Click here to display a larger version (382K).
Click on image to enlarge (126K). Click here to display a larger version (387K).
Click on image to enlarge (124K). Click here to display a larger version (381K).
Click on image to enlarge (91K). Click here to display a larger version (283K).
Click on image to enlarge (120K). Click here to display a larger version (596K).
Click on image to enlarge (129K). Click here to display a larger version (400K).
