You are here:
HELL'S CANYON STUDY, IDAHO AND NEZ PERCE COUNTIES, IDAHO, 1977
Description:
In September of 1975 and again in March and June of 1976, water quality survey runs were made in Hells Canyon (17060103, 17060101) to obtain information on the Snake River and its major tributaries within the area. The surveys included 5 Snake River stations from above Johnson Bar down to the USGS gaging station at Anatone and the following tributaries: Kirkwood Creek, Sheep Creek, Imnaha River, Salmon River, and Grande Ronde River. During the September and March surveys, the following parameter categories were monitored: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, bacteria, solids, nutrients, and trace inorganic toxins. In June of 1976, only nutrient samples were collected. For the dates of the surveys, the water quality of the Snake River was generally good except for one bacteria standard violation and trophic nutrient concentrations. For the tributaries, water quality was very good except for Kirkwood Creek and the Grande Ronde River. Kirkwood Creek exceeded the bacteria standards for primary contact recreation. The problem on the Grande Ronde occurred during runoff in March 10976 and included bacteria violations, excessive turbidity, and elevated trace inorganic toxins. Water Quality Summary No. 10. October 1980. Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environment, Boise, ID.