Geomorphology and hydrology of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers and implications for habitats used by endangered fishes
Citation
Pitlick, John, Van Steeter, Mark M, Barkett, Brent, Cress, Robert, and Franseen, Margaret, Geomorphology and hydrology of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers and implications for habitats used by endangered fishes: .
Summary
Alluvial reaches of the Colorado River near Grand Junction, Colorado, provide important habitat for the endangered Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius) and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus). Populations of these native fishes have declined dramatically in the past several decades, a situation that is often attributed to the hydrological and ecological effects of upstream reservoir operations. This report summarizes research done over the last five years to evaluate the importance of historical changes in streamflow and sediment loads on alluvial reaches of the Colorado River near Grand Junction. In addition, we describe recent changes in the geomorphology of the Colorado River and address the question of what can be done to [...]
Summary
Alluvial reaches of the Colorado River near Grand Junction, Colorado, provide important habitat for the endangered Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius) and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus). Populations of these native fishes have declined dramatically in the past several decades, a situation that is often attributed to the hydrological and ecological effects of upstream reservoir operations. This report summarizes research done over the last five years to evaluate the importance of historical changes in streamflow and sediment loads on alluvial reaches of the Colorado River near Grand Junction. In addition, we describe recent changes in the geomorphology of the Colorado River and address the question of what can be done to improve existing fish habitats.