Klamath River Thermal Studies for Protection and Enhancement of Cold-water Habitat for Salmonids

In summer 2021, E&S, in collaboration with NV5 Geospatial, collected remotely sensed thermal data of the surface of the Klamath River from J.C. Boyle Dam to the headwaters of Copco Reservoir. This work identified 116 significant thermal features (STFs) in this section of the Klamath River. These STFs are mostly locations where the thermal data identified inflow of water that was cooler than the surrounding river water. These inflows are expected to be springs, seeps, and areas of hyporheic flow. E&S and other project partners are currently conducting follow-up studies to consider potential suitable locations for habitat protection or restoration features that could aid in the maintenance or creation of cold-water refuge habitat along this section of the Klamath River.