Impacts that worsen low flows include a reduction of fog drip due to a loss of older conifers within the watersheds, as well as altered wetlands due to increased road sedimentation and loss of wetland riparian vegetation. While historically, LWD was very abundant in these streams due to the low-gradients and hence, lack of downstream transport, LWD levels in the mainstems, especially in the East Fork Dickey River have recently decreased to low levels. Riparian roads impact the floodplain conditions in Coal and Colby Creeks. The contrast between the pristine habitat conditions within the Park is sharp compared to conditions further downstream. Outside of the Park boundaries, numerous major habitat problems exist.
Excessive sedimentation is a problem and stems mostly from landslides.
High road densities are associated with the sedimentation problems. High levels of fine sediments are found in many Soleduck tributaries, which degrade the quality of spawning habitat. Areas of poor LWD and riparian conditions are other problems. The Soleduck drainage is naturally limited in wetland habitat, yet continued loss of wetlands and off-channel habitat occurs. Warm water temperatures are a problem in the summer, potentially impacting adult migration and spawning of summer chinook and a unique summer coho run.