The increased flows are likely a result of several upstream problems, notably incised channels, reduced levels of LWD, and a loss of hydrologic maturity. The Dickey sub-basin is well known for its production of coho salmon. It consists of plentiful sloughs, wetlands, and small streams, and is dominated by low gradient habitat. Because of the low-gradient nature, mass wasting is rare. However sedimentation is still a major habitat problem and is predominantly due to roads.
Riparian impacts occur throughout the Dickey and are worsened because of windthrow.
The strong windstorms in the winter destroy the riparian buffers left after recent timber harvest in susceptible areas. Warm water temperatures are another poor habitat condition throughout the Dickey sub-basin, and may be contributing to an increased distribution of squawfish, known predators of salmon. Blockages, such as culverts, are another major habitat problem in this sub-basin. The naturally low-gradient conditions result in a lack of natural blockages for salmonids, yet numerous culverts exist and should be addressed. Low water flows in the summer are thought to limit the production of salmon and steelhead.