Sediment deposition in the Elwha River estuary, Washington, measured on rod surface elevation tables (RSETs) from 2011 to 2014
Dates
Publication Date
2017
Start Date
2011-08-11
End Date
2014-06-11
Citation
Foley, M.M., Shafroth, P.B., Beirne, M.M., Paradis, R., Ritchie, A.C., and Duda, J.J., 2020, Ecological parameters in the Elwha River estuary before and during dam removal (ver. 2.0, August 2020): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F75B00N4.
Summary
This portion of the data release presents sediment deposition in the estuary as measured using rod surface elevation tables (RSETs) at fifteen locations throughout the Elwha River estuary, Washington, from August 2011 to June 2014 (no associated USGS Field Activities numbers because data were collected predominantly by biologists from the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe). The locations of the RSETs were determined with a hand-held global positioning system (GPS). We measured sediment deposition from 2011 to 2013 using the RSET table and pins at 36 points around each RSET. Because of extensive sediment deposition in the estuary, we needed to modify our methodology in 2014. We fabricated a new attachment for the RSET base that consisted of [...]
Summary
This portion of the data release presents sediment deposition in the estuary as measured using rod surface elevation tables (RSETs) at fifteen locations throughout the Elwha River estuary, Washington, from August 2011 to June 2014 (no associated USGS Field Activities numbers because data were collected predominantly by biologists from the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe). The locations of the RSETs were determined with a hand-held global positioning system (GPS). We measured sediment deposition from 2011 to 2013 using the RSET table and pins at 36 points around each RSET. Because of extensive sediment deposition in the estuary, we needed to modify our methodology in 2014. We fabricated a new attachment for the RSET base that consisted of a 30 cm horizontal measuring rod and level, which replaced the RSET table. We leveled the rod with respect to the RSET receiver and measured the distance from the end of the rod to the sediment surface at six locations around the center point using a weighted line. The two methods were calibrated so that measurements were comparable. Measurements were taken approximately every two months in 2011 and 2012 and before and after the rainy and freshet (snowmelt) seasons in 2013 and 2014. The sediment deposition data are provided in a comma-delimited spreadsheet (.csv).
Data were obtained to assess the sediment response following the removal of two dams on the Elwha River between 2011 and 2014. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
