Water temperature is an important component of habitat for many aquatic organisms. The temperature of stream discharge has been shown to increase significantly in some cases when the riparian tree canopy is removed. The magnitude of the temperature increase is a function of many factors including length of reach with no canopy, discharge, stream width/depth ratio, and stream gradient/velocity. This project is designed to monitor stream temperatures at 10 sites (5 intensive monitoring and 5 less intensive) that will include several combinations of the factors listed above. The intensive monitoring will include continuous measurement of stream temperature, stage, air temperature, and solar radiation and frequent measurements of discharge and stream velocity. Less intensive monitoring at 5 sites will include continuous measurement of temperature along with occasional measurement of velocity and discharge. Other relevant measurements will be made at all sites include documenting the stream profile and pattern, tree canopy, and other conditions. Analysis of monitoring data will be conducted to determine if significant differences in upstream and downstream temperatures have occurred. A spreadsheet model will be developed based on the information and monitoring data collected that will be designed to assess the potential for thermal pollution.
