Project 2. Stream Flow, Water Quality, and Sed

Transport in the Colorado River Ecosystem

• Continuing core monitoring of stage, discharge, water quality (tem

dissolved oxygen, turbidity, salinity), sediment transport, and sand in the Colorado River ecosystem (CRe)

• Project collects and serves the fundamental physical data used to e

status of the CRe with respect to the DFCs approved by the Secreta

Interior in April 2012

• Projects collects the data and serves the sand budgets used to trig

evaluate HFEs under the 2012‐2020 High Flow Protocol approved b

Secretary of the Interior in May 2012

• Project collects and serves the physical data to be used to evaluate 

preferred alternative from the LTEMP EIS

• Measurements from this project are the data that directly link dam 

to to the physical, biological, and sociocultural resources of the CR

used in virtually all other physical, ecological, and socio‐cultural re

investigations funded by the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Managem

Program
http://www.gcmrc.gov/discharge_qw_sediment/
User‐interactive sand budgets for 6 reaches used to eva

DFCs, trigger and evaluate HFEs, and evaluate the prefealternative from the LTEMP EIS
Project 3. Sandbars and Sediment Storage Dynamics: Lon

Monitoring and Research at the Site, Reach, and Ecosyste

• 3.1. Sandbar Monitoring

– 3.1.1. Monitoring sandbars using topographic surveys and rem

(Annual monitoring of area and volume at 47 sandbars, campsi

and daily photos at 44 sites. Advance methods for analyzing re

images)

– 3.1.2. Monitoring sandbars and shorelines above 8,000 ft3/s by 

sensing (Analysis of images collected in 2013 overflight to mea

area at 1300+ sites between dam and Lake mead)

– 3.1.3. Surveying with a camera: Rapid topographic surveys with 

using structure‐from‐motion (SFM) photogrammetry (Evaluatio

development of method to “survey” sandbars using a hand‐he

camera. Will be tested at current monitoring sites on annual m

If successful, would use to increase number of monitoring sites 

added cost.)

– 3.1.4. Analysis of historical images at select monitoring sites (C

elevation models from 1984 air photos for sandbar monitoring 

to 6 sites/year, as budget allows. The comparison of bar size fo

floods provides context for bar size following controlled floods)

New
• 3.2. Bathymetric and Topographic Mapping for Monitor

term Trends in Sediment Storage

– Will provide robust measure of changes in sandbars and in san

bed over time periods of HFE Protocol and LTEMP.

– Provides map of channel and bed texture for fish and food base 

Glen Canyon in 2015.

• 3.3. Characterizing, and Predictive Modeling, of Sandba

at Local and Reach Scales

– Develop a model for sandbar response to dam operations and 

supply conditions. Will use detailed 3‐dimensional model at a f

generalize to many sites.

• 3.4. Connecting total sand transport, bed morphodynam

sand budgets in Grand Canyon

– Study movement of sand as bedload. Provide better estimate f

bedload sand transport.

• 3.5. Control Network and Survey Support

– Maintain and improve capability to provide accurate spatial ref

geospatial research and monitoring.

NewNew
• 3.2. Bathymetric and Topographic Mapping for Monitoring L

term Trends in Sediment Storage

– Will provide robust measure of changes in sandbars and in sand stor

bed over time periods of HFE Protocol and LTEMP.

– Provides map of channel and bed texture for fish and food base stud

Upper Marble Canyon (2013, 2016, 2021)

Lower Marble Canyon(2009, 2012, 2018, 2023)

Eastern GrandCanyon (2011,

2014, 2020)

Glen Canyon (2000*, 2015)

East central Grand

Canyon (2019,2024)

Monitoring for LTEMP

Green = done

Red = planned in FY15‐17

Blue = planned past FY17

West central 

Grand Canyon(2017, 2022)
Project 4

Joel Sankey, Amy (Draut) East, Helen Fairley, Joshua Caster

• Element 4.1 Quantifying connectivity along the fluvial‐aeolian‐hillslope continuum

at landscape scales

– Research (ongoing)

• What controls the transport of HFE sand to upland sites by wind?

1. Spatial distribution of aeolian sand relative to sandbars, vegetation, topograp

data from 2002, 2005, 2009, 2013 overflights (in FY 15‐17)

2. Long‐term changes in aeolian sand at archaeological sites using historical obli

photographs from Birdseye, Stanton, Webb, and others (in FY 15‐17)

3. Contrast observations of aeolian sand in Grand Canyon with Desolation and G

Canyons of the Green River which is a regulated river system with greater san(seeking non‐GCDAMP funding)

• Element 4.2 Monitoring of cultural sites in Grand and

Glen Canyons

– Monitoring (ongoing)

• Draft (in FY15) and implement (in FY 16‐17) a monitoring plan for

GCPA and NHPA section 106 information needs:

1. Measure effects of wind transported HFE sand for site

surface condition and stability

2. Evaluate other variables related to operations that

affect site condition

3. Integrate non‐flow condition variables, as appropriate

W
Project 5: Food Base Monitoring and Resea

5.1 Are aquatic insect diversity and production recruitment 

5.1.1 Insect emergence in Grand Canyon via citizen scien

Ongoing long-term monitoring 2012-2017

5.1.2 Effects of hydropeaking on oviposition and egg mor

New research 2015-2017

5.1.3 Synthesis of stressors and controls on EPT distribu

New research 2015-2017

5.1.4 Synthesis of the aquatic foodbase in western US tail

New research 2015-2017

5.1.5 Natural history of oviposition for species in Grand C

New research 2015-2017

5.1.6 Laboratory studies on insect oviposition and egg mo

New research 2015-2017 (unfunded)

5.1.7 Comparative emergence studies in Upper Basin

New research 2015-2017 (Submitted to Western 

5.1.8 Natural history of oviposition for EPT in the Upper B

New research 2015-2017 (Submitted to Western 
5.2 Patterns & controls of aquatic invert drift in Colorado R

5.2.1 Characterize and monitor drift, emergence in Glen C

Ongoing long-term monitoring 2013-2017

5.2.2 Drift monitoring in Glen, Marble, and Grand Canyons

Ongoing long-term monitoring 2013-2017

5.2.3 Link drift to channel bed shear stress

Ongoing research 2013-2017

5.2.4 Link drift patterns to substrate in Glen, Marble, Gran

Ongoing research 2013-2017

5.2.5 Comparative drift in Upper and Lower Basin tailwate

New research 2015-2017 (Submitted to Western f

5.3 Primary Production Monitoring in Glen Marble and Gran

5.3.1 Synthesis and publication of Glen Canyon algae pro

Ongoing long-term monitoring 2008-2017

5.3.2 Monitoring dissolved O

2 in Glen, Marble, and Grand 

Ongoing long-term monitoring 2008-2017

5.3.3 Developing automated tools for estimating algae pro

Ongoing research 2008-2017

Project 5: Food Base Monitoring and Resea
6.1 HBC aggregation relative abundance and distribution 

Ongoing long-term monitoring 2010-2017

6.2 HBC aggregation recruitment 

Ongoing and new research 2013-2017

6.3 HBC aggregation PIT tag technology 

New research 2015-2017

6.4 System Wide Electrofishing (SWEF) 

Ongoing long-term monitoring 2000-14, Refine during 20

6.5 Brown trout natal origins through body pigment patterns 

New research, defer until completion of otolith microchem

6.6 HBC translocations to mainstem locations 

New research that may lead to management actions 201

6.7 Rainbow trout early life stage studies (RTELSS) 

Ongoing long-term monitoring 2003-2017

6.8 Lees Ferry Creel Surveys 

Ongoing long-term monitoring 1981-2017

Project 6. Mainstem Colorado River humpbacaggregations and fish community dynamics
Project 7: Chub population dynamics aro

7.1 Spring/Fall LCR Spring -> Adult N; Fall -> resident pop, re7.2 Colorado (JCM) Juvenile N and survival; Adult N7.3 Early Life History Recruit & outmigration7.4 PIT tag arrays Adult N - less handling? Trap shy?7.5 LCR food base Food limitation (density dependence)7.6 Substrate limitation No spring flood -> Few juvenile chub7.7 CO2 limitation Can chub produce juvenile in upper reach7.8 Asian tapeworm Index of infestation over time7.9 Chub condition Why don’t wild chub produce eggs like D7.10 Modelling Trout/temp, adult N & early life history p
Project 8. Management Actio

to Increase Abundance and Distribution of Native Fishes Grand Canyon

 Brown Trout Removal at Bright Angel Cr Translocation of Humpback chub  Protocol Evaluation Panel - New LCR Invasive Aquatic Species Surveillan Genetic Monitoring of Humpback Chub - 

Project Elements
Project 9. Understanding the Factors Determining Recruitment, Popu

Growth, and Movement of Rainbow Trout in Glen and Marble Ca

Project Element 9.1. Rainbow Trout Population Dynamics – Ongoing Modelling and Future M

Project Element 9.2. Detection of Rainbow Trout Movement from the Upper Reaches of the 

below Glen Canyon Dam/Natal Origins

Project Element 9.3. Exploring the Mechanisms behind Trout Growth, Reproduction, and Mo

and Marble Canyon using Lipid (fat) Reserves as an Indicator of Physiological Condition

Project Element 9.4. Comparative study on the feeding morphology of drift feeding fish

Project Element 9.5. Meta‐analysis, and the development of reactive distance relationships 

rate modelsProject Element 9.6. Evaluation of Turbidity (in terms of TSS) as a potential Glen Canyon Dam 

management tool to constrain rainbow trout populations and reduce predation/competitio

humpback chub

Project Element 9.7. Application of a bioenergetics model in a seasonally turbid river

Project Element 9.8. Mechanisms that Limit Rainbow and Brown Trout Growth in other Wes

SystemsProject Element 9.9. Effects of High Experimental Flows on Rainbow Trout Population Dynam

Project Element 9.10. Examining the Effects of High Flow Experiments on the Physiological C

0 and Adult Rainbow Trout in Glen Canyon
Project 10 – Melis, Buscombe, Yard, Ko

Grams, Gushue and others

Where does the Glen Canyon Dam rain

trout tailwater fishery end?

[Integrating Fish and Channel Mapping 

below Glen Canyon Dam]

A New Integrated Research Effort to Bridge Project 3 (M

with Projects 5 & 9 (Trout and Diet & Foodbase

Q: Why a new integrated project now
Reach I. Sample Size 

0 100 200 

Reach II. Sample Size 

0 100 200 

Reach III. Sample Size 

0 100 200 

Reach IVa. Sample Siz

0 100 200 

Reach IVb. Sample Siz

0 100 200 

July 2013

Fork Length (mm

2012recruits

2012 recruits

Not All Trout in Marble Canyon Origina

Lees Ferry: Evidence for Local Recru

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

Reach I. Sample Size 2802

0 100 200 300 400

Reach II. Sample Size 1942

0 100 200 300 400

Reach III. Sample Size 1346

0 100 200 300 400

Reach IVa. Sample Size 316

0 100 200 300 400

Reach IVb. Sample Size 220

0 100 200 300 400

July 2012

Fork Length (mm)

Lees FerryHouserockBuckfarmAbove LCRBelow LCR

?

Preliminary D

[From Korman and Yard, JAN 2014 AR meeting]
Some Questions?

1) Winnowing of Bed Sediments - Are there aquatic resource imassociated with winnowing channel-bed sediments in Marble C(coarsening bed grain size, reduction of bed coverage by fine sreduced turbidity) if bed sediments coarsen there under high flGlen Canyon in 1965?2) Frequency & Timing of High-Flow Operations - Do fall-timed releases also increase rainbow trout populations in GLNRA, anreleases in either spring or fall support bed sediment conditionlocal trout production downstream in GRCA?3) Channel-Margin Geometry & Stage Changes - How abundant angle channel margins in Glen, Marble and eastern Grand Canywhich NO study sites used by juvenile rainbow trout are most sriver inundation or dewatering in response to hourly varied GCD operations? [re: viability of EXP TMFs]
Elements:

1) Complete Humminbird® Sidescan SonMapping Methods (2015)2) Collect Additional Channel-Bed Data in Study Segments & Analyze Existing & NeData for Channel Margin Geometry and BSediment Type (2015-16)3) Synthetic Analysis (workshop) of NO Rainbow Trout/Diet and Channel Map & QData (2017)
GCMRC sources of existing and (or) new monitoring inf

answer questions about GCD operation and questions management of native and nonnative tailwater fisheries Colorado River ecosystem in GCNRA and GCNP
Project 11. Riparian Vegetation Monitoring and Analysis of Riparian V

Landform Change and Aquatic‐Terrestrial linkages to Faunal Commun

Continuing ProjectsProject Element 11.1. Ground‐based Vegetation Monitoring

Project Element 11.2. Periodic landscape scale vegetation

mapping and analysis using Remotely Sensed Data

Integrative Research

Project Element 11.3 Influence of sediment and vegetation

feedbacks on the evolution of sandbars in Grand Canyon since

1991 (FY15‐17)New Project Elements for FY 15‐17

Project Element 11.4 Linking dam operations to changes in

riparian biodiversity – the potential significance of vegetation

change and insect emergenceProject Element 11.5. Science Review Panel of Successes and

Challenges in Non‐native Vegetation Control in the Colorado

River and Rio Grande Watersheds
Project 12 (New) – Dam-related Effects on 

Distribution & Abundance of Culturally ImPlants in the CRE (Fairley, Bungart, Joe, and Y Element 12.1 – Workshop and analysis 

 Workshop with Tribes to identify focal species 

of cultural importance to multiple tribes

 Historical imagery analysis to identify changes 

in distribution & abundance of focal species

 Identify changes associated with specific areas 

of cultural importance to individual tribes

 Element 12.2 – Monitoring 

 Use historical photographs to elicit tribal 

perspectives on cultural landscape changes

 Products: Report documenting changes to focal species 

Journal article (project methods & results)
Project 13 - Socioeconomic 

Monitoring and Research

 Element 13.1 – Economic values of recreat

resources along the Colorado River

 Angler values in GCNRA Whitewater floater values in GCNP

 Element 13.2 – Tribal preferences for and v

resource downstream of Glen Canyon Dam

 Element 13.3 – Applied decision methods f

Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management P