Descriptions and information sources for Oregon estuaries

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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DESCRIPTIONS AND INFORMATION SOURCES

FOR

OREGON ESTUARIES

Property of CSC LibraW

Katherine L. Percy David A. Bella
Research Assistant Principal Investigator
Principal Author Contributing Author
July 1972 - June 1973 July 1972 - May 1974

Chet Sutterlin Peter C. Klingeman
Research Assistant- Principal Investigator
Principal Author Contributing Author
March 1973 May 1974 July 1972 June 1973

U S - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
CHARLESTON SC 29405-2413

Published and distributed by

SEA GRANT COLLEGE Program May 1974
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331 Price:.$2.50
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PREFACE

This report is a second expanded edition of a T)revious edition
entitled "Description and Information Sources for Oregon's Estuaries,"
March 1973. The study leading to this second edition has been spon-
sored by the Office of Water Resources Research, United States Depart-
ment of the Interior administered through the Water Resources Research
Institute, Oregon State University.

The first edition was performed as part of a study for the Oregon
Study Team of the Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission under
contract with two of the member agencies of the study team: the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Concepts and recommendations developed under this
study are included in the report "General Planning Methodology for
Oregon's Estuarine Natural Resources," Pacific Northwest River Basins
Commission, P.O. Box 908, Vancouver, WA, 98660. The interested reader
can also refer to the technical publications by the principal investi-
gators for more recent research on the environmental management of
Oregon's Estuaries.

The support and cooperation of a great number of individuals and
organizations is acknowledged. Particular acknowledgment is given to
James B. Kennedy who served as Resource Coordinator for a portion of
the study. The professional-assistance of Larry S. Slotta and Charles
K. Sollitt, Department of Civil Engineering, Oregon State University
is greatly appreciated.

I The appreciable support of the Oregon Coastal Conservation and
Development Commission, particularly James F. Ross, Executive Director,
and Wilbur Ternyik, Chairman, and of Paul Coyne, President of the Oregon
Coastal Ports Federation, in obtaining information and in arranging meet-
ings to exchange ideas with numerous knowledgeable individuals from state
agencies, port authorities, coastal towns and counties is gratefully
acknowledged.

Considerable help and information was also provided by many other
individuals whose assistance is collectively acknowledged here. Mrs.
Elisabeth Schafer and Ms. Kathie Zuleger prepared this report through
several drafts and numerous revisions.

Publication and distribution of this report is supported by the
Oregon State University Sea Grant College program. The OSU Sea Grant
College program is supported cooperatively by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, within the U.S. Department of Commerce, by
the State of Oregon and by participating local governments and private
industry. The U.S. Government is authorized to produce and distribute
reprints for governmental purposes notwithstanding any copyright nota-
tion that may appear hereon.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Oregon Estuaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin . . . . . . . . 1
Estuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Drainage Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Hydraulic Description of Estuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Tides and Currents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
River Discharges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Salinity and Classification by Mixing . . . . . . . ... . . . . 6
Sediments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Water Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Biological Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Physical Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Estuary Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Industrial and Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Recreational . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Table of Surveillance Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

ALSEA BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
CHETCO BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
COOS BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
COQUILLE BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
ELK RTVER . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
NECANICUM RIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
NEHALEM BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
NESTUCCA BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 115
NETARTS BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
PISTOL RIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
ROGUE RIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
SALMON BAY . . . . . . .. ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
SAND LAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
SILETZ BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
STUSLAW BAY . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * , , *179
SIXES RIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
TILLAMOOK BAY . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 20S
UMPOUA BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
141INCHLICK RIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 239
YAQUINA BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
YOUNG'S BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

STRFA,M PROFILES
"A" Rogue River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
"B" Chetco Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
"C" Coos Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . 63
"D11 Tillamook Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

INTRODUCTION

Information concerning the physical, chemical, and biological
characteristics of Oregon's estuaries and of the natural resources found
within them has not been available in complete form from any one agency,
group or publication. Partial information can be obtained from many
different sources if the planner or decision maker knows whom to ask and
where to look.

This report, while not a complete compi lation of facts about the
natural resources and related features of Oregon's estuaries, provides a
summary of much of the known information about the estuaries and gives
numerous citations of literature and agencies from which supporting infor-
mation may be obtained. The report is. intended to provide the planner
with a "starting point" for assembling the required data concerning most
of the Oregon estuaries.

Oregon Estuaries

Oregon's recognized estuaries, reportedly 14 in number [149,155],,are
shown in Figure.A, together with some of the state's smaller estuaries.
Also shown are the five basins into which the coastal zone is commonly
divided--the North Coast, Mid-Coast, Umpqua River, South Coast, and Rogue
River basins. These basins are mentioned periodically herein and are in-
cluded in Figure A to give a general indication of their boundaries and of
the estuaries included within them. Thirteen major Oregon estuaries are
described in this report. However, the Columbia River estuary which is the
largest estuary, is an interstate estuary of a multi-state drainage basin
and has been omitted. Information is organized as individual estuary
reports with the same basic format for each. The outline used is presented
in the following pages with descriptions and explanations of the information
and major -references being given as necessary. Definitions are included at
the end of this section. References, which are indicated by brackets are
included in alphabetical order at the end of this report.

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

Listed in this section are the location, population, centers, dimen-
sions, and maj.or tributaries of each estuary. Also given are addressess
and phone numbers of Port Commissions [106] and other organizations having
a special interest in the area. Mention is made of any existing physical
models(l) or special reports.

Records of physical models were found for Tillamook and Umpqua Bays
only.-

Young's Bay WASHINGTON
Necanicum NORTH@,
COAS
B IN

Nehoiem

Tillamook
Netarts "I'K
Sand Lake
Nestucca UJ
Salmon 0
z
Siletz <
Cr

Yaquina

Alsea

MID-
COAST

co
SiUSIOW B
"0' A

Um p q U 0

UMPQUA RI ER
s
N
Coo BA N
SOUTH
Coquille COAST

Sixes
Elk L

RIVER
BASIN Z-
Roaue
Pistol- I. Nr---S@J A
T
Cheico J
Winchuck
CALIFORMA

Figure A. Oregon's estuaries and major coastal drainage basins.

For comparison, the estuaries are shown in Table A in order of
decreasing estuary size, along with surface areas, percent tidelands, and
size of drainage basins as presented in various sources. This information
is also given in the individual reports.

Table A. Surface areas, percent tidelands, and drainage areas
of Oregon's estuaries (55,59,701.

Estuary surface area (acres) Percent of surface Drainage basin
measured at areas which is area
HW MHT tidelands (sq.mi.)
1551 1701 1591 [701

Coos 10,973 --- 9,543a 48 605
Tillamook 8,861 8,289 8,839a 58 so 540
Umpqua 6,749 6,830 5,712a 27 22 4,560
Yaquina 4,233 3,910 2,,,3a 61 35' 2S3
Youngs Bay --- --- 2 870b 122
Nehalem 2,388 2,309 3:766 a 32 47 855
Netarts 2,179 2,325 2,406 a 65 14
Alsea 2,140 2,146 2,227a 46 474
Siuslaw 1,458 2,24S 11,8,a 38 34 773
Siletz 1,086 1,187 1,203a 65 373
Nestucca 1,022 1,000 1,149 a 58 322
Coquille 818 --- 703a 1,058
Rogue 575 --- --- 5,100
Sand Lake 429 528 700a 75 17
Sixes --- --- 330d 129
Elk --- --- 290d 94
Necanicum --- --- 278C 87
Pistol --- --- 230d 106
Salmon RiV&r 171 204 438a 57 62 75
Chetco 140 --- 359
Winchuck --- --- 130d 70

aTidal-stage not given -- described as "those areas affected by tidal
action." [591
bArea calculatea by planimeter shoreline representing approximate line
of mean high water. [1161
CTidal stage not given -- described as "the estuary covers 278 acres." [66]
dArea calculated by planimeter from aerial photographs -- Tidal stage
not known. [135]

Population centers considered here are those located on or near the
estuary (i.e., near water subject to tidal influence or near the head of
tidewater.) In cases where the extent of tidal influence was not known,
population centers within a reasonable distance from the estuary mouth
(assumed to be 1 to 10 miles, depending on the estuary) were included.- The
centers are given in table form for most estuaries and were taken from three
sources--(I) the 1972 Rand McNally and Co. Atlas [111], (2) the Oregon State
Water Resources Board (OSWRB) basin report maps [88,89,93,99], and (3) the
OSWRB stream mile summaries [94,95,96,97]. The Rand McNally Atlas [111]
either provided the 1970 census figures 'or used the terms "rural" and "no pop,"
defined in the atlas as follows:

no pop--most of these places are railroad stations, but
some are factories, mines, power plants, etc.
The "no pop" designation indicates that the place
is in the open country and is not associated with
any settlement.
rural--open-country localities that have a locally
recognized name, although no built-up section
exists and the population is scattered over a
wide area.

Towns shown on a map or listed in a stream mile summary but for which
census figures were not given are described here as "not listed."

Estuary surface areas are from work by Marriage [59], Johnson [5S],
the Division of State Lands [70], and Department of Water Resources, OSU
[87]. Marriage did not specify the tidal stage for which he gave the areas
but did state that "only those areas affected by tidal action were included
in the acreage measurements." He determined the areas sometime around 1948
from either U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USCGS) bay charts (preferably)
or coastal charts, but made no indication as to which type was used for the
individual estuaries. In most instances he also gave the number of tideland
acres. Johnson apparently used USCGS charts from the late 1960's and early
1970's for determining surface areas and other dimensions presented here,
such as distance to farthest estuary shore, inlet,dimensions at throat, and
average lagoon depth below MSL. The Division of State Lands, the most recent
of the three references, obtained MLT and MFIT surface areas by planimeter
measurements taken from aerial photographs on which estuarine boundaries at
those tidal stages had been marked by direct observation. That agency has
also compiled a tideland abstract listing the acreage of most Oregon estuary
tidelands as well as some ownership and deed information [70]. The State of
Oregon Division of State Lands provided most of the maps at the beginning of
each section, the others being U.S.G.S. and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maps.

Major tributaries are described in terms of length, annual fresh water
yield, and drainage areas. Some indication is also made of the location of
the point for river mile z.ero as given in the OSWRB stream mile summaries
[94,95,96,97] or basin reports maps [88,89,93,99]. In some cases the major
tributary has its zero river mile at the estuary mouth, and therefore, the
lower section of the river actually is the estuary (or at least its major
portion). Yaquina Bay provides an example of this type of stationing. In
other cases (e.g., Nestucca Bay) the zero river mile stations of major tribu-
taries are at their points of discharge into the "bay." In instances such
as this, an attempt was made to estimate (from the OSWRB maps) the distance
along the center of the estuary from its mouth to the zero river mile.

In any case such as the above, where a distance was estimated and is
therefore very approximate, it is so designated here by simply describing it
as being approximately or about the indicated number of miles. Unless other-
wise stated statute miles are used.

The Estuaries of Oregon are now and have been in the past regions of
rich resources for the inhabitants of the coast. For this reason those lands
adjacent to the estuaries have been used for thousands of years by prehistoric
inhabitants as occupation areas. There are state and federal laws which
protect these archeological resources on all public lands. Inquiries concern-
ing these laws and archeological sites should be directed to the Museum of
Natural History, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon [22]. The Museum is by
state law the protector of state antiquities and the repository of information
concerning antiquities.

This information has not been mentioned in the individual reports.

Drainage Basin

Drainage basin ar ea, annual fresh water yield, composition (percentage
of forests, croplands, rangelands, etc.), annual precipitation, air temperature,
wind direction, and range of elevation are included in this-section.- It should
be noted that the terms "drainage basin" and "watershed" are used interchange-
ably.

Areas of the drainage basins are mainly those presented in the OSWRB
stream mile summaries [94,95,96,97]. In cases where no area was found,
estimates were made from the OSWRB basin reports maps [88,89,93,99].

In 1968, the OSWRB made available information in punch card or printout
form from surface water gaging stations for which monthly and water-year runoff
records had been compiled. A description of the format used and a listing of
the stations from which records would be provided are given in a publication
by the agency entitled "Surface Water Gaging Stations, Oregon" [98]. Some of
those stations are also noted here in the table of surveillance stations included
at the end of each estuary section.

Precipitation records are available for towns on many of the estuaries
[92,143]. Wind roses can be obtained for some areas [7]. Also, it has been
generalized that along the Oregon coast, winter winds are predominantly from
the southwest and summer winds are from the northwest to north [7].

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

Information given here includes exposure of the estuary to waves at the
mouth [5S]; the extent of tidal influence (various references); mean tide
range(2) and its diurnal range [55]; the extreme tidal range [86]; tidal prism
on mean range and its diurnal range [55]; amplification information [43]; and
phase difference between tidal elevations and tidal currents [43].

(2) "The mean tide range as listed was taken from the 1971 USC&GS Tide Tables
for the station inside the bay or lagoon nearest to the entrance." [55].

Two items of information that can be given for this entire coastal
area (and have therefore not been repeated in the individual reports) are
that (1) tides are "mixed," meaning two uneq 'ual high tides and two unequal
low tides daily, and (2) wave roses are available through the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers.

River Discharges

Where possible, observed or estimated flow rates of major tributaries
are given. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) operates -numerous stream
gaging stations and annually presents records from them in its publication
"Water-Resources Data for Oregon, Part 1. Surface Water Records" [1401.

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

Most salinity information was taken from research conducted by Burt
and McAllister during the late 1950's [12,13].

Determination of the extent of salinity intrusion involved up to only
nine measurements being made over a two-year period [12]. These were taken
along the channel centerline-at various distances from the ocean. Concen-
trations presented here are those from the sampling point showing greatest
inland intrusion.

In classifying estuaries on the basin of mixing characteristics, Burt
@4nd McAllister used'the following distinctions, previously defined by
Pritchardki), in terms of salinity change from top to bottom [13]:

two-layered system--20 ppt or over
partly-mixed system--between 4 ppt and 19ppt
well-mixed system--3 ppt or less.

Classification was made for various months from HW measurements taken at the
nearest station where mean salinity was 17 ppt (roughly half fresh and half
salt water). It should be noted t6t, as Burt and McAllister pointed out, an
estuary will probably,change from one type to another as conditions vary
throughout the year. Examples of this situation can be seen repeatedly in
the individual reports.

Sediments

Given in this section is information and reference material on littoral
drift, sediment loads, and analyses of dredge samples.

Littoral drift along the Oregon coast seems, in most cases, to be to
the south during the summer and to the north during the winter, with the
net drift being to the south [57]. However, proximity to the mouth of the
Columbia River may be a significant factor regarding predominant drift
direction.

(3) Pritchard, D.W., "Estuarine Circulation Patterns," Proc. Am. Soc. Civil
Eng., Vol. 81, Separate 717, pp. 1-11, 1955.

Estimates of sediment loads were made [85] from a map presented by
H.W. Anderson in 1954(4). Conditions of the.watersheds have changed con-
siderabl y since then, and the generalized estimates can no longer be
considered to be a reliable as they once may have been.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has analyzed dredge samples to
determine organic content, void ratio, and grain size [124]. In most
cases, this involved several samples; however, the data given here in-
clude only the mean grain size and the extreme values of organic content
and void ratio, with some indication of the sampling date and site. More
information could be obtained from the Corps records.

The amount of accretion at jetties of some of the estuaries has been
given in the Division of State Lands tideland abstract previously.mentioned
[70]. That information, which is not repeated in the individual reports,
is as follows: Nehalem--115 feet S; Siuslaw--320 feet N, 55 feet S;
Tillamook--250 feet N, 70 feet S; Umpqua--245 feet N, 12 feet S.

Water Quality

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) operates numerous water
surveillance stations and will provide records from them in punch card or
printout form showing temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO),
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Pearl-Benson Index (PBI), turbidity, total
coliforms, and fecal coliforms [67,68]. Initial measurements in some estuaries
were made as far back as 1957 (Coos and Umpqua) whereas for others they are
only as -recent as 1969 (Alsea and Siletz). No attempt was made to review the
records and summarize them here; only the number of stations with their loca-
tions and periods of records are given.

Temperature or other water quality measurements from stations other
than those operated by the DEQ are also mentioned. In most cases, these
are USGS stations, the records from which are available in annual USGS pub-
lications, "Water Resources Data for Oregon. Part II. Water Quality
Records" [141].

Descriptions of'some sewage treatment facilities are given, but the
information is incomplete because not all of the treatment plants in any
given estuarine area are necessarily covered. Industrial outfall infor-
mation is not easily accessible at this time, but the DEQ is now issuing
permits and is in the process of putting the rate and type of discharge at
the outfalls on punch cards. By the fall of 1973 the project will possibly
be to the point where the information will be readily available [441.

(4) Anderson, H.W., "Suspended Sediment Discharge as Related to Streamflow,
Topography, Soil, and Land Use," Transactions, American Geophysical Union,
Vol. 35 (2) pp. 268-281, 1954.

Biological Information

In this section, mention is made of as least some of the fish, water-
fowl, and big game animals commonly found in each estuarine area. Listings
of fish generally include only those which are of either commercial or recre-
ational interest. Estimates of the number of anadromous salmonids spawning
in various streams as presented in the Oregon State Game Commission COSGQ
basin environmental investigations are given in the individual reports and
compiled for comparison in Table B [75,76,77,78,79]. Also available in these
publications are periodicity charts and distribution maps for anadromous fish.

Table B. Estimated numbers of adul t anadromous salmonids spawning in the
Oregon estuarine stream systems, 1972 [75,76,77,781.

Stream system Chinook Coho Chum. Steelhead Sea-run
Cutthroat
spring fall winter summer
Nehalem Rive-rl,3 --- 4,00n 21,840 200 11,000 --- 8,000
Tillamook (Tillamook, 6,120 33,705 33,625 9,900 49,575 2,400 18,000
Trask, Wilson, Kilchis,
and @Iiari Rivers)1,3
4@-
V) Netarts no information
W Sand Lake no information
0
Nestucca (Nestucca and 1,890 20,565 18,580 2,000 37,290 S,600 5,800
Little Nestucca
4J
Rivers)1,3
Necanicuml --- --- 3,78D 100 2,000 2,000
Youngs Bayl --- 500 17,200 200 2,800 1,000

Salmon Riverl,2,3 180 2,000 5,700 4,200 250 3j800
4.1 qiletzl,2,3 775 14,200 26,900 11,500 4,900 32,000
tr,
Cd Yaquinal,2,3 0 2,100 12,600 2,300 0 7,500
Alseal,2,3 300 20,000 58,000 13,600 200 28,600
Siuslawl,2,3 0 4,500 22,000 13,000 0 50,000

llmpqua3,4 12,600 5,000 25,000 40,000 12,000 30,000

Roguel 45,500 75,000 5,000 50 75,500 51,250 5,300
0

Coosl,2,3 0 500 8,300 5,000 3,500
Coquillel,2,3 so 4,900 23,000 16,10n 12,000
Sixesl 3,000 300 @2,500 3,000
E10 --- 3,200 800 3,500 2,800
Pistol' 500 so 1,200 4,000
Chetcol --- 3,nOO Soo 4,000 2,500
Winchucki
--- 400 so 1,500 1,500

IEstimates by OSGC and FCO biologists.
2Numbers indicate spawning escapement. Total run would be computed by adding
3appropriate sport and-commercial harvest data.
Estimates include hatchery contributions.
4Estimates by OSGC.

The charts and maps are not presented here, but much of the other infor-
mation for this section was taken from those references. In the case of
the Coquille River, the preliminary report [811 used in preparing a portion
of the South Coast Basin investigation [78] was supplied by the OSGC.
Similar papers on the other estuaries were not available, although they
apparently had been written.

Physical Alterations

Physical modifications such as jetties, channel projects, and land-
fills are described here. Some dredging records and project (channel) use
statistics are also given, and a listing is made of fishways and hatcheries.

All jetty and channel projects are under the 3urisdiction of the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers and records of such modifications are open to the
public. Information used here was taken from a Corps water resources devel-
opment report [129] and to a lesser degree from a fairly detailed unpublished
1971 reference entitled "Study and Maintenance Dredging Coastal Harbor
Estuaries" [128]. Reports by the Chief of Engineers dating back to 1866
.(when the Corps first became respondsible for the maintenance of Pacific
Coast Harbors) are available as annual publications.

It is presently the duty of the Corps to maintain harbors for use by
ocean going vessels. This consists of maintaining or improving channels and
maintaining, improving, or constructing jetties and breakwaters. References
used here were written up with a description of the "existing project" (i.e.,
the authorized project) followed by completion dates of the various phases.
In some instances, difficulty arose in determining exactly what had and had
not been constructed. For that 'reason, some completion dates may be lacking
here, but (as noted in the individual reports) that does not mean the modifi-
cation has not been completed, but only that records of such were not found.
More detailed information could be obtained directly form the Corps in
Portland.

Statistics of channel use are from the Corps water resources develop-
ment report [129]. Dredging records, taken from the Chief of Engineers
Annual Report and presented by Johnsom .[55] for 1959 to 1969 (excluding 1968),
list the quantity (in cu yds) removed from each estuary. The dredged amounts
presented here are "typical quantities," meaning those that appeared to be
close to the average amount removed during the 1959 to 1969 period.

The Oregon Divison of State Lands has completed inventories of filled
lands in many Oregon-estuaries [69] with individual reports being made
available as each estuary inventory is completed. The reports give a general
description of the estuary and its drainage basin with information on land-
fills such as location, ownership, construction dates, usage, permit number,
and areas. Some of that information is presented in Table C and also in the
reports on the Siuslaw, Umpqua, and Sand Lake estuaries. Navigable lengths
of some of the estuary tributaries, provided to the Division.of State Lands
by the Corps of Engineers, are also given in those landfill inventories and
have been presented here in the individual estuary reports.

Table C. Information on landfills in Oregon estuaries [69].

estuary landfill area (acres) use/owndership main location
on submyrged on submer@ible total
lands lands

Alsea 0 24.75 24.75 marine oriented; east side of
heavy emphasis on Waldport
recreation

Nehalem 20.11 7.27 27.38 residential or Brighton,
recreation Wheeler, and
oriented; Nehalem areas
generally small
fills

Nestucca 0.15 0.68 0.83 erosion control'on Pacific City;
residential Woods area;
property; mainly between miles
state owned 1.5 and 2.5

Salmon 0 0.12 0.12 one fill; parking north side
area, boat launch; near mile
state owned 1.8

Sand Lake no landfills; 4.1 acres of diking of which 3.0 acres is on
submersible land

Siuslaw 0.12 40.63 40.75 used mainly by the Florence area
city of Florence;
some marine
oriented with
heavy emphasis on
industry; 36.28
acres are dredge
spoils

Tillamook 0.57 102.06 102.63 industry oriented; Garibaldi area
no particular
emphasis on
navigation

Umpqua 8.50 97.54 106.04 80 acres used for Winchester Bay
marina and harbor and
at Winchester Bay; Reedsport
remainder mainly
marine oriented
with heavy emphasis
on deep water navi-
gation and industry
Yaquina (below 55.06 202.06 257.12 are only @ fills Newport and
Toledo) over 5 acres--all Marine Science
marine oriented Center areas
with heavy empha- and north-
sis on deep water side of river
navigation and between miles
industry 4 and 5

Isubmerged lands--those lying below the line of ordinary low water-of all
navigable waters.
2submersible lands--those lying between the line of ordinary high water and the
line of ordinary low water.
(More complete definitions are given in the Inventories of Filled Lands

Fish ladders on Oregon coastal streams are constructed and operated
by the OSGC, Fish-Commission of Oregon (FCO), Corps of Engineers at
Bonneville Dam, and the National Marine Fisheries Service in Portland,
although those of the latter two agencies are located exclusively on the
Columbia River. The FCO and OSGC fishways are found on tributaries of
various estuaries with the OSGC owning, inspecting, and operating all of,
theirs [56], and the FCO possibly only.inspecting ladders which are not
exactly owned by them [45].

Records of constructed fishways mentioned in the individual reports
were taken from a FCO publication describing the "Coastal 60-40 Program"
[119]. The program, passed into law in May 1961, was administered by the
FCO from July 1, 1961 to July 1, 1963 and provided mainly for fishways and
stream clearance projects. A more accurate and complete list of ladders
is as follows [28,56]:

Youngs Bay
Barth Falls--Klaskanine River FCO
Necanicum
Mail Creek Culvert--Necanicum River
City of Seaside Dam--South Fork Necanicum River FCO
Sunset Trout Farm--North Fork-Necanicum River
Nehalem
Hamlet Falls--North Nehalem River
.Water House Falls--North Nehalem River FCO
Fishhawk Lake--Nehalem,River
Tillamook
Fall Creek--Wilson River
Fox Creek.Culvert--Wilson River F CO
Killiam Creek--Tillamook River
Nestucca
Upton Falls--Little Nestucca River
Stella Falls--Little Nestucca River FCO
101 Camp Fishway--Nestucca River
11 ? 11--Nestucca River OSGC
Salmon River
Trout Creek Falls (Rock Cut)--Slick Rock Creek FCO
Siletz
Mill Creek Falls--Siletz River
Valsetz Falls--Siletz River
Cedar Creek Falls--Siletz River FCO
Sunshine Creek--Siletz River
Valsetz Lake--Siletz River
Yaquina
City ofToledo Dam--Mill Creek
Sloop Creek (Rock Cut)--Yaquina River FCO
Quarry Falls--Little Elk
Alsea
Five Rivers Fishway--Alsea River
Cascade Creek Falls--Alsea River
Fall Creek Falls--Alsea River
Henning Dam--South Fork Alsea
FCO
Bohannon Falls Upper--Drift Creek
Bohannon Falls Lower--Drift Creek
Scott Creek (Rock Cut)--Alsea River
Grant Creek 1 (Rock Cut)--Alsea River
Grant Creek 2 (Rock Cut)--Alsea River

Siuslaw
Siuslaw Falls--Siuslaw River OSGC
Umpqua
Smith River Falls--Smith River FCO
South Umpqua Falls--South Umpqua
Winchester Dam--North Umpqua River at Wincheste OSGC
Smith River Ralls--Smith River
Coos
Vaughn Falls--Millicoma River
Tioga Creek 1--Coos River , FCO
Tioga Creek 2 (Rock Cut)--Coos River
Air Force Dam--North Creek of North Slough
Coquille
Middle Creek Falls--Coquille River
Steelhead Falls--North Fork Coquille River FCO
LaVern Park Falls--North Fork Coquille River
Rogue
Savage Rapids Dam--Rogue River
Oak St. Div. Dam--Bear Creek FCO
Bear Creek Div. Dam--Bear Creek
Frilder Dam--Rogue River

The OSGC, FCO, and National Marine Fisheries Service operate hatcheries
on Oregon Rivers. The National Marine Fisheries Service.hatcheries,.like its
fishways, are on the Columbia River only; therefore, only the FCO and OSGC
hatchery locations are given here. Release statistics presented here were
taken from the OSGC annual report [80] and from the FCO biennial report [33].
Hatchery names and locations are as follows [54,56]:

Nehalem
North Nehalem River--1/4 mile downstream from highway FCO
53 bridge
Tillamook
Trask River--5 miles east of Tillamook at the mouth FCO
of Gold Creek
Nestucca
Cedar Creek--Nestucca River OSGC
Siletz
Siletz River--North Fork Rock Creek, 4 to 5 miles FCO
east of Logsden
Alsea
Alsea River--on Fall Creek at mile 3 or 4, 30 miles FCO
from Waldport
North Fork Alsea--out of town of Alsea OSGC
Umpqua
Rock Creek--North Umpqua River out of.Idleyld Park OSGC
Coquille
Bandon--Bandon OSGC
Elk
Elk River Salmon Hatchery--Il to 12 mile NE of Port
Orford
Rogue
Butte Creek--Butte Falls OSGC

Estuary_Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Listed and described in this section are the types of industries
which are of particular economic importance to each estuary area. Fore-
most among these are lumbering and commercial fishing activities and various
aspects of tourism and recreation (such as sport fishing, which is described
in the "Recreational" section). Most of the information was provided by the
Port Commissions and Chambers of Commerce or taken from the 1972 Directory
of Oregon Manufacturers [71] published by the State Economic Development
Division.

In connection with the lumber industry, statistics of channel use (taken
from Army Corps of Engineers records [129]) and figures for log raft storage
are mentioned for many estuaries. Locations of and the area covered by log
rafts at Siuslaw estuary were supplied by the Port Commission, but in the
other cases, that information would have to be obtained directly from the
industries having log -rafts. This information should eventually be more
readily available through the Division.of State Lands since that agency plans
to have completed an inventory of log rafts on all navigable waters in Oregon
,by 1974 or 1975 with eventual zoning and leasing [46].

Statistics of commercial fish landings were made available by the FCO
[20,34,1181 and the OSGC [75,76,77,78,791 and have generally been presented
in terms of annual catch and value to fishermen. Landings given here are
divided into two groups--those from the estuary alone and those taken from
the entire area (ocean, estuary, streams) and received at a port on the e -stuary.
There is actually little commercial fishing directly from the estuaries and
their tributaries, especially since the Columbia River is the only place in
Oregon where commercial fresh water salmon fishing is presently permitted [4,20].
However, many ports receive commercially-caught salmon taken in nearby ocean
areas. Included among them during 1971 were [34]:

Astoria
Nehalem
Tillamook North Coast Basin
Pacific City (Nestucca)

Depoe
Newport (Yaquina) Mid-Coast Basin
Florence (Siuslaw)

Winchester Bay (Umpqua) Umpqua River Basin

Coos
Bandon (Coquille)
Port Orford South Coast Basin
Brookings

Gold Beach Rogue River Basin

-Statistics of commercial landings received at ports on the estuaries of
this report are given in Tables D and E.

51 9

51 51

00
'I

10 w 10

w 0

-1 0

g 0

0 0 0

Recreational

The information given in this section is concerned primarily with
angling activities, although parks, campgrounds, and boat landings have
also been at least partially listed.

The major references were again provided by the OSGC [75,76,77,78,79]
and the FCO [38]. One of these, the 1971 Estuarine Resource Use Study-con-
ducted by the FCO [38],(S) is mentioned in most of the reports and should be
explained to some extent. In the study itself, the total number of landings
by boat and shore angling, clamming, and scuba diving were recorded for each
estuary by.species between March an 'd October 1971. Fish such as salmon and
trout which are under the jurisdiction of the OSGC were excluded from the
study. The information given here lists only the three species most commonly
caught (in order of frequency) by boat and shore angling and by clam digging-
scuba diving catches were usually omitted since they accounted for a very small
percentage of the total catch.

The task of developing and operating public recreation areas at the state
level is the respondibility of the Parks and Recreation Section of the Oregon
State Highway Division [122], and it was from that agency that a listing of
state parks located on the estuaries with a day user and camper attendance
figures was obtained [67,681. Other parks, boat landings, and national forests
in each area are also mentioned in this section,@ although the information is
far from complete.

Table of Surveillance Stations

This includes climatological, stream'and,crest stage gaging, water quality,
water temperature, and chemical analysis stations for which references were
found. Where available, the following information was included for each station:
its name and/or an identifying number (usually USGS); an approximate location;
the drainage area at its location; the period of record; and the reference(s)
which mentioned the station.

In describing the period of record, the dates may not always be accurate
since some refer to the water year and some refer to the calendar year, and the
distinction was not always noted. (The water year runs from October first of
one year to September 30th of the next, and it is designated by the calendar
year in which it ends-records between October 1, 1954 and September 30, 1955
fall in the 1955 water year, and therefore would be considered as dating from
1955, although the records would actually date from 1954.)

In noting the period of record, an asteric (*) denotes it as being periodic
while a dash (-) indicates a continuous record. In many instances, the second
date given is in parentheses

(5) Preliminary data was presented here; publication is scheduled for March 1973.

This indicates that it is not necessarily the last date of record, but
merely the last one for which records were found' Those dates not in
parentheses denote the final date of record. For example, 1915*1925
would mean that records were kept periodically from 1915 to 1925; 1915-
(1968) would mean that records were kept continuously from 1915 through
1968 with 1968 being the most recent record found.

Definitions,

anadromous-migrating up rivers from the sea to breed in fresh water.

biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)--a measure of the oxygen necessary to
satisfy the requirements of microbes for the aerobic decomposition of
organic matter. The amount of oxygen consumed in the test can be
used as a direct measure of biodegradable organic matter.

coliform--a group of bacteria with various habitats (e.g., soil, plants,
insects, old sewage, intestines of warm-blooded animals, previously-
polluted waters), the presence of which reflects the safety of water.

diurnal range--the range between the highest and lowest tides occurring
during one tidal day.

diurnal tide--tides having a period or cycle of appxoimately one tidal day.,
Such tidesexhibit only one high and one low water during a tidal day;
the predominant type of tide in the Gulf of Mexico [691.

drainage basin--a part of the surface of the earth that is occupied
by a drainage system, which consists of a surface stream or a body of
impounded surface water together with all tributary surface streams
and bodies of impounded surface water [1391.

extreme tidal range--the range between the highest and lowest tides of
the year.

fecal coliform--the type of coliform bacteria found in the intestines of
warm-blooded animals, the presence of which reflects the safety of
water.

fresh water yield--the fresh water contribution in a stream to an estuary.

game fish--fish of major recreational interest (e.g., salmon, bass,
trout, shad).

head of high tide--the farthest point up a stream that tidal fluctuations
are felt.

high water (HW)--same as high tide; the maximum height reached by each
rising tide [127].

higher high water (HHW)--the higher of.the two high waters of any tidal
day. The single high water occurring daily during periods when the
tide is diurnal is considered to be a higher high water [1271.

higher low water (HLW)--the higher.of two low waters of any tidal day [127].

littoral drift-the material moved in the littoral (shore) zone under the
inf.luence of waves and.currents 11271.
low water (LW)--same as low tide; the minimum height reached by each
falling tide J127],

lower high wa ter (LHW)--the lower of the two high waters of any tidal
day 1127].
lower low water (LLW)--the lower of the two low waters of any tidal
day. The single low water occurring daily during periods when the.
tide is diurnal is considered to be a lower low water [127].
mean high tide (MHT)--same as mean high water [69].

mean high water (MHW)--the average height of the high waters over a
19-year period. All high waters are included in the average where
the tide is either semidiurnal or mixed. Where the typ e of tide
is predominantly diurnal, only the higher high-water heights are included
in the average on those days when the tide is semidiurnal [69].
mean higher high tide (MHHT)--same as mean higher high water [691.

mean higher high water (MHHW)--the average height of the higher high
waters over a 19-year period 169].

mean low tide (MLT)--same.as mean low water [69].

mean low water (MLW)--the average height of the low waters over a 19-year
period. All low water heights are included in the average where the
type of tide is either semidiurnal or mixed. Where the type of tide
is predominantly diurnal, only the lower low water heights are included
in the average on those days when the tide becomes semidiurnal 1691.
mean lower low water (MLLW)--the average,height of the lower low waters
over a 19-year period [69].
mean sea level (MSL)--the average height of the surface of the sea for
all stages of the tide over a 19-year period, usually determined from
hourly height readings. A determination of mean sea level that has
been adapted as a standard for heights is called a sea level datum [69].
mean tide level (MTL)--a-tidal datum midway between mean high water and
mean low water. Also called half-tide level [691.
mean tide range--the average range of consecutive high and low tides
over a 19-year period.

mixed tides--tides in which the presence of a diurnal wave is conspicuous
by a large inequal-ity in either the high or low-water heights, or in
both, with two high waters and two low waters occurring each tidal
day. Tides along the California (and Oregon) Coast are of the mixed
type [691.
non-game fish--those which are of no major recreational interest (e.g.,
suckers, shiners, sculpin).

non-salmonid game fish--warm-water game fish (e.g., bass, crappie,
bluegills).

partly-mixed system--see Introduction.

parts per thousand (ppt)--a unit for expressing the concentration of
chemical constituents by weight, usually as grams of constituent per
thousand grams of a solution.

Pearl-Benson Index (PBI)--a measure of the lignin content of pulp
wastes [136].

salinity.int'rusion7-the farthest point at which salinity can be measured.

salmonid--a fish of the family Salmonidae, which includes salmon, trout,
chars, and whitefishes.

sediment load--the quantity of s ediment being transported hydraulically.

semidiurhal-tides--tides having a period of approximately one-half a
tidal day; the type of tide that is predominant throughout the world,
with two high waters and two low waters each tidal day. jides along the
Atlantic Coast are of this type [69].

submerged lands--lands lytng below the line of ordinary low water [691.

submersible lands--lands lying between the line of ordinary high water
and the,line of ordinary low water [691.

tidal prism--the total amount of water that.flows into a harbor or
estuary and out again with movement of the tide, excluding any fresh
water flow [127].
tidal prism on mean range--the tidal prism between the extremes of the
mean tide range.

tidelands--the land that.is covered and uncovered by the daily rise and
fall of the tide; the zone between the mean high-water line and the
mean low-water line [691.

tidewater--same as head of high tide.,

two-layered system--see Introduction.

void ratio--the ratio of the volume of voids (fluids) to the volume of
solids.

well-mixed system--see Introduction.

ALSEA BAY

J-

C:@@ ALSEA

BAY,

fll

-il EPT

'r, 'WALDPORT

S-1- ALSFA

A-A y RivER

OREGON

TIDELAND MAP
OF
+ ALSEA BAY
WAN WMR AM MEAN L@ SZIP7EMER 1972
WAIC@
57A7F OF OREGaV
DAIWOV OF STArE LAAM

ALSEA BAY

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

Alsea Bay lies roughly 130 miles south of the mouth of the Columbia
River. Of the estuaries included here, it ranks 7th in size (Table A).
The only incorporated town in the area is Waldport, located on the south
side of the bay near the mouth. This and other population centers on the
estuary are given in Table I with their locations and 1970 populations
[94,111].

Table.l.. Population centers at Alsea Bay [94,1111
name general location 'river mile 1970
lecation population
2
Waidport Alsea River; south side 0.7 to 2.7 700
Bayview Alsee River; north side 2.2 rural
Little Albany Alsea River 10.6 50
Tidewater Alsea River; north side 11.7 150
Little Switzerland. Alsea River; north side 12.7 not listed

1-Tidal effects extend approxim ately to mile 16 of the Alsela River and to
mile 5.5 of Drift Creek.

The estuary measures 7,500 feet at its widest point [60] and covers
about 2,170 acres. Surface areas reported by Johnson [55], Marriage [S9],
and the Division of State Lands [70] are given in Table 2, and cross-
sectional areas at MTL at various distances from the mouth are shown in
Table 3.

Table 2. Reported surface areas of Alsea Bay [55,59,701.

reference surface area measured at tidelands submerged lands
(acres) acres percent acres percent

[6] 2,140 HW

[63] 2,227

[117] 2,146 MHT 979 46 1,168 54
1,168 MLT

]Specified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal action.

Alsea Bay

Table 3. Cross-sectional areas-of Alsea Say [43].

point of measurement distance,from mouth cross-sectional area
(miles)] (sq ft)_

throat 0. 8,000
Waldport 1.9 T5,000
Oakland 5.7 4,600
Kozy Kove 11.7 2,100

IMile values were obtained by conversion from the distances.
reported in feet.

The estuary-consists essentially of the lower reaches of the Alsea
River, which is charted as having its zero mile at the mouth of Alsea
Bay. The river drains an area of 474 sq mi and is formed at mile 48.7
by the North Fork Alsea River (total length 15.0 miles) and the South Fork
Alsea River (total length 17.4 miles). Tributaries to head of high tide
at mile 16 include Drift Creek from the north at mile 5.1 and about 21
smaller creeks and sloughs. Drift Creek measures 29.2 miles to its
source and has a drainage area of 69 sq mi [88,94].

A good deal of information on Alsea Bay was presented in a 1971
dissertation by A.L. Matson entitled "Zooplankton and Hydrography of Alsea
Bay, Oregon, September 1966 to September 1968" [60], and the work is re-
ferred to frequently in this chapter.

The Port of Alsea is located at Waldport, and can be contacted at
P.O. Box 638, Waldport, Oregon 97394; 563-3564 [106].

Drainage Basin

Alsea Bay has a drainage basin of 474 sq mi [94] whic *h yields an
average of 1,500,000 ac-ft of fresh water annually (estimate based on
data collected from 1937 to 1963) [881. A large part of the rugged and
mountainous basin is within the Siuslaw National Forest [49]. It consists
of 94% (446 sq mi) forests; 3% (14 sq mi) cropland and 3% (14 sq mi) ranges
and "other uses" [88].

Precipitation averages 80 to 90 inches annually, with 60 inches per
year occurring along the coast and 110 inches per year in the upper
watershed. There is a climatological station located on the Alsea River
near mile 11.5 from which precipitation records are available through
the OSWRB_(Table 10) [19,88,92,143]. Elevations range from 0 to 3,000
feet [88].

Alsea Bay

Hydraulic Description of Esty2,rL

Tides and Currents

The bay is described as being fully exposed to waves at the throat
[55]. The head of high tide is at mile 16 of the Alsea River and mile
5.5 of.Drift Creek (43].

The mean tidal range is 5.8 feet with a diurnal range of 7.7 feet
[5S]. Goodwin reported a tidal prism on mean range of 5 x 108 cu ft
(tidal prism between MLLIV and MHHW), and he noted a "choking" of tidal
range occurring from the entrance of the estuary to the Oakland Marina
Station C5.7 miles from the mouth) [431. Beyond the marina station, am-
plification of the tidal range occurred. Goodwin also looked at the phase
difference between tidal elevations and tidal currents and found it to
be equal to 90 to 100 degrees. A calibrated numerical tidal hydraulic
model of the Alsea has been provided by Goodwin [42]. Currents and tidal
ranges have been measured (1973) to determine the times of maximum ebb
and flood flow [62].

River Discharges

Stream flow records are available from USGS stream gaging stations
on the Alsea River and Drift Creek (Table 10) [140]. The Alsea River
station is located at river mile 21.0. The one on Drift Creek, no longer
operating as of 1970, was located at mile 21.8, where the drainage area
is 20.5 sq mi or 27% of the stream's total drainage basin. Streamflow
averages and extremes for these two stations are given in Table 4 [1401.
The combined average flow rate of the Alsea River and Drift Creek is
estimated as 2,070 cfs [86].

Table 4. Fl ow rates of Alsea Bay tributaries [1401.

stream point of drainage complete flow rate
measurement area water years (cfs)
(river mile) (sq mi) of record maximum minimum mean

Alsea River 21.0 334 1939-1970 41,800 45 1,534
12/64 9/65

Drift Creek 21.8 20.5 1957-1963 2,500 3.8 120
1966-1970 10/62 9/58
(discontinued)

-Salinity and Classification by Mixing

Matson measured salinity intrusion to mile 13.8 of the Alsea River
[60]. This was in August 1967 at high tide when stream flow was 63 cfs.
Measurements by Burt and McAllister in October 1957 and January, March,
July 19S8 showed intrusion to mile 13.0 (October 8, 1957 at HHW) at a
concentration of 0.1 ppt on the surface and at the bottom t12]. Con-
current temperatures we're 12.9*C. No salinity was detected at mile 13.7.

Alsea Bay

On the basis of mixing characteristics Burt and McAllister 113]
and Matson 160] have described the C$tualry as a partly-nmixed system.
Burt and McAllister collected data at high- tide during January,,Maxch,
April and October, Matson collected dat a at all tidal stages from September
1966 to September 1968. During that two,yeaT period,Matson also looked
at four sites in the estuary (the-mauth, 5,000 feet, 2.3-miles, and
4.6+ miles) for long@-term laye-ring of wate-rs of different densities and
found that the site at-mile 4.6+ was the only one where such layering
might occur.

Giger [39] provides salinities with depth and length for high and
low tides during winter (1968), spring (1968), and summer (1967) conditions.
This data show salinity intrusion during the summer to a distance of
13-14 miles from the mouth while winter salinity intrusion extended to
4-5 miles from the mouth. Vertical stratification appears to occur to some
degree during all seasons.

Seasonal (1973) measurements of salinity, temperature, turbidity,
pH and dissolved oxygen have been taken for high and low tides with depth
and length within the estuary 162].

Sediments

Littoral drift in the area varies throughout the year but tends to
be northward in the winter and southward in the summer with the not drift
to the south 1571. Sediments deposited in the estuary by its tributaries
are estimated at 249,000 tons annually [851.

Water Quality Information

The DEQ operates six water surveillance stations at Alsea Bay (listed
in Table 10) for which records of measurements taken 5 times between
July 1969 and December 1971 are available [67, 681. There is also a USGS
water temperature statiodat mile 21 of the Als.ea.River (Table 10) [139].
Temperature ranges recorded at this point and at two sites in the Alsea
River monitored by Matson [60] are presented in Table 5.
Table 5. Temperature extremes of the Alsea River [60,139].
point of period of observed temoerature extre:m@@es
measurement record maximum minimum
mouth 9/66-9/68 16 71
surface

mile 5 9/66-9/68 22, 4
surface

mile 12 1947-1962 25.6 0.6
(110 spot
observations)

Alsea Bay

The city of Waldport operates the only sewage treatment plant in the
Alsea Bay area. It i,5 located on the easfside of town in the "old town"
section and serves the Waldpoxt population only. Average daily flow is
esti-mated at 90,000 gallons. Presently a primary treatment facility, it
will be secondary on completion of the new-addition now in progress 121].

Biological Information

Estimates of the number of adult anadromous Salmonids spawning in
the Alsea River system are as follows: spring chi-nook--300, fall chinook--
20,000, coho--58,000, winter steelhead--13,600, summer steelhead--200,
and sea-run cutthToat--28,600 175]. A comparison with other stream
systems of the Mid-Coast Basin (Table B) shows that the Alsea River system
has the, highest estimated numbers of fall chinook, coho, and winter steel-
head spawning in its waters.

Species supported in the estuary which are of interest to fishermen
include salmon, staghorn sculpin, flounder, perch, Crab, shrimp, and
cockle, gaper, and softshell clams. The softshells are found primarily
two miles upstream from WaldpOTt and are -more abundant than the cockle
and gaper clams 138,53,155].

In Matson's study conducted from, September 1966 to September 1968,
he looked at zooplankton in the estuary and found the following species
accounting for the greatest percentage of the total number: AcaTti-a clausi
(found mainly in the center of the estuary)--40%; Barnacle Nauplii (equally
distributed upstream and downstream)--11%; and Pseudocalanus sp (found
more downstream)--8.1% 160].

The area around the estuary is considered a big game winter range
primarily for black-tailed deer (the most [email protected] game), Roosevelt
elk (now being transplanted to the Mid Coast Basin by the OSGQ, black
bear, and cougar 175].

Lint Slough, which discharges into the Alsea River from the south
at mile 1.8, is used as an OSGC experimental station for rearing salmon
under saline conditions 1155].

Physical Alterations

Jetties have not been constructed, but a basin project providing
for a protective breakwater, an entrance channel, and a s-m-all boat basin
at Waldport has been approved J129]. A date for beginning the project
had not been give In as of 1971 (publication date). A portion of the pre-
sent channel, located along the south side of the estuary, was excavated
in 1948 and met a previously-existing south channel, which -ran betveen
the highway 101 bridge and the entrance of Drift-Creek, at some point

Alsea Bay

upstream. This channel system measures 1,400 feet at its widest point.
A northern channel in the estuary was blocked off in three places sometime
before June 1962. The channel to the ocean shifts (the controlling depth
is about 6 to 7 feet), limiting navigation 160], Navigable length of the
Alsea River is 13.0 miles; that of Drift Creek is 1,5.miles 169].

The inventory of filled lands in the Alsea Rive-r has been completed
by the Division of State Lands 169]. Table C shows some of the infor-
nation from that report.

-Under the "Coastal 60-40 Program" the FCO constructed three fishways
in the Alsea River system--one on five Rivers and two on Drift Creek.
The-Five Rivers Fishway, located imile above the town 'of Paris COT ap-
proximately at-mile 18), was completed in 196-3. The Drift Creek fishways
were completed in 1964 and a-re located about 15-miles south of Toledo.
In 1963 a spawning channel on Cherry Creek, about one-mile below the
town of Fisher, was also const-ructed under the program 1119].

There are two hatcheries in the Alsea River systen--one operated by
the FCO and the other by the OSGC. The FCO Alsea River Salmon Hatchery
is between miles 3 and 4 of Fall Creek, or approximately 35 -miles from
the estuary mouth (541 . Releases from it between July 1,. 1968 and June
3, 1969 were to Fall Creek and tributaries of,the Coos and Coquille Rivers
and consisted oi 3,006,149 salmon and steelhead [33]. The OSGC hatchery,
located on the North Fork Alsea River near the town of Alsea and a little
over.50 miles from the estuary mouth 156], released 900,555 winter
steelhead.in 1968. During 1970, its releases totaled 1,942,636 and
consisted of 967,809 winter steelhead,.678,738 fall chinook,.and 296,089
cutthroat trout [80].

Estuary 'Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Lumber-related activities, tourism,. and agriculture are of major
economic importance to the a-rea 169,153,155]. Mdstmanufacturers there,
listed in Table 6, are involved with logging activities 171,153]. Industrial
use of the bay itself is limited to log towing 1155]; it is not used for
log raft storage, and there axe.no industries-actually on it 1102].

Commercial fishing,from theestuaxy or otherwise, provides a very
limited-income as indicated by the commercial harvest figures shown in
Tables 7 and 8.

Alsea Bay

Table 6. Major Manufacturers at Alsea Bay [71].

Location Name Type of Business Number
employed

Waldport M and W Lumber Co. logging 60

Waldport Alsea Veneer veneer core 20

Waldport W.H. Meinert Co. cutting contractor 5

Waldport McKinley Lumber Co. railroad spike-hole plugs 3

Waldport M.R. Kittel Logging logging 1

Waldport Waldport Ready Mix ready mix

Tidewater Gerald Smallwood logging 4
Logging

Tidewater Julian F. Smallwood logging 4
Alsea tidewater Crushing Co. crushed rock 6

Table 7. Commercial Harvest of Clams, Crabs, and Bait Shrimp from
Alsea Bay [75,118].

Species 1969 1970 1971
pounds pounds pounds
landed fishermen value landed landed

Clams 16 prices vary according to
species and market

Crabs 21,000 $5,250 31249 3,316

Ba-it Shrimp 5,500 7,220
(retail)

Alsea Bay

Recreational

The main recreational activities in the area axe fishing, boating,
agate hunting, clamming, and crabbing 115.3]. Angling data shown in Table 9
indicate that salmon fishing from the estuary is especially popular.
In fact, more time andmoney a-Te spent on this spo-rt there than at any other
Mid-Coast Basin estuary 175]. The best time for chinook trolling is during
August and September., and the coho run begins in mid September and peaks in
October 158]. Sea-run cutthroat can be taken from July to November 1581.
Species other than salmon and tTout-most commonly caught during the TCO
study from March to October 1971 include staghorn sculpin, sta-rry flounder,
and shiner perch by shore angling; dungeness crab and relatively few
staghorn sculpin and redtail seapeTch by boat angling, and ghost shrimp,
cockle and softshell clams by clamming T38].

Alsea Bay

Table 8. Commercial Harvest of Foo sh
Received at Waldport 1971MI341.

Species Harvest
(pounds round Fishermen
weight) value

Crabs $1,000
Miscellaneous(2) 6,877 7,000

Totals
10,79.1 $8,000

lIncludes 1971 data presented in Table 7.
2Sand shrimp, crawfish, eel

Table 9. Est ted Annual Harvest Data for Sport Fishing At Alsea
BayM [75].

Species area annual harvest effort gross
fished (total number) (angler-days) expenditures

Salmon Estuary 6,900 27,600 $510,600
Alsea River 1,730 6,920 128,020

Sea-run Estuary
cutthroat Alsea River ""0) 10,500 194,250
650

Steelhead Alsea River 6,000 24,000 444,000

Non-salmonid Estuary 15,000 51000 @0'000
bay fish

lAverage of data from past years.

Alsea Bay

Table 10. Surveillance Stations at Alsea Bay.

type of name and/or approximate drainage period of references
station identifying location area record
number (sq.mi)
climatological Tidewater Alsea River; mile 58 1940-(1968) [88,92,143]1
11.5

stream gaging Alsea River near Alsea River; mile 2
Tidewater; USGS 21 334 1939-(1970) [88,98,1401
#3065

Drift Creek near Drift Creek; 20.5 1958-1963 [140]
Salado; USGS mile 21.8 1965-1970
#3066

crest stage South Fork Weist South Fork Weist 0.33 1953-(1963) [88]
gaging Creek near Creek; mile I
Waldport (about 6 miles
from the estuary
mouth)

DEQ water #1 Highway 101 bridge 7/69-(12/71) [67,68]
surveillance at Waidport (mile (5 measurements)
0.9)

#2 channel at mouth of
Lint Slough (mile
1.8)

#3 channel 50 yards below
the mid-channel
island (mile 2.9)

#4 channel opposite boat if
docks at Chevron gas
outlet (mile 3.9)

#5 Alsea River at high
tension wire crossing
(mile 4.9)

#6 Alsea River; 1.25 miles
above Highway .34
bridge (mile 9.7)

water quality Alsea River near Alsea River; mile 21 334 1958-1959 [881
Tidewater; USGS (spot
#3065 observations)
water quality Drift Creek above 1958-1959 [88]
Tidewater (spot
observations)

water Alsea River near 334 1947-1962 [88,139]
temperature Tidewater; USGS (110 spot
#3065 observations)
lPrecipitation data available in punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.
2Monthly and water-year runofff records have been compiled and are available in punch card
or printout form through the OSWRB.
3Data available in punch card or printout form through the DEQ.
This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.

CPFTCO BAY

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CHETCO BAY

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

The Chetco River discharges into the Pacific Ocean at a point 300
miles south of the Columbia River mouth. The estuary is the smallest of
those included here (Table A), and the area around it is sparsely populated.
The only two towns near the Chetco River are Brookings and Harbor, both
at the mouth. Brookings lies to the north between miles 0 and 1.1. It
was incorporated in 1951 and had a-1970 population of 2,720. Harbor, with
a 1970 population of 900, lies on the south side of the estuary at mile
0.7 [96,111].

The HW surface area of the estuary, is estimated from the 1954 USGS,
Cape Ferrelo Quad.., is 140 acres [55].

The estuary consists.primarily of the lower reaches of the Chetco
River, which has a length of 58.0 mi. and drains an area of 359 sq. mi.[96].
One of the larger tributaries to the estuary is the North Fork at mile 5.4
with a length of only about 14 miles and drainage area 40 sq. mi.

The port commission for the area is Port of Brookings, P.O. Box 848,
Brookings, Oregon, 97415; telephone number 469-2219 [106]. The Port
Commission and Curry County Planning Commission havejurisdiction over
planning and regulating land use [81].

Drainage Basin

The 3S9 sq. mi. drainage basin is comprised mainly of forests
although some of the area around the estuary is used for pasture and hay,
rangelands tan be found slightly upstream [93]. Much of the inland
portion of the basin is within the Siskiyou National Forest. Annual fresh
water yield of the Chetco River at its mouth was estimated to average
1,230,000 ac-ft during the period from 1930 lo 1961, although there were
no complete water years of recor@. Extremes of the annual average were
1,570,000 ac-ft and 740,000 ac-ft [93].

Annual rainfall in the basin averages from 80 inches along the coast
to 120 inches near the headwaters of the Chetco River. Growing season in
the basin lasts about 250 days. Monthly precipitation at Brookings, where
the elevation is 80 feet, averages from less than an inch (July and August),
to almost 13 inches (December and January). The climatological station at
Brookings (Table 7) has records dating back to 1912 which are available on
punch cards.

Elevations of the Chetcd Basin watershed range from sea level to 5,098
feet at Pear.soll Peak in thewestern region [93]. Average wind direction in
the vicinity of the estuary during the period from 1937 to 1942 was as
follows: November, December, January, February, and March--northeast; April,
May, and June--northwest; July and August--south; September--northwest; and
October--north [7].

The Chetco River stream profile appears on page 43.

CHETCO BAY

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The estuary is described as being partially--exposed to waves at the
throat. The mean tide range is 5.1 feet with a diurnal range of 6.9 feet
[55].

River Discharges

The only stream gaging station in the basin for which records were
found is located at mile 10.7 of the Chetco River. Also, there are crest
stage gaging stations on Harris and Ransom Creeks near Brookings (both
streams discharge directly into the ocean just to the north of the estuary.)
More descriptions of these three stations are given in Table 7, and dis-
charge records are included in Table 1. Also shown in Table 1 is information
concerning minimum miscellaneous discharge measurements taken periodically
since 1926 in the Chetco River below the mouth of the North Fork at mile 5.4.
Estimates of the average monthly discharge of the Chetco River at the mouth
for 1930 to 1961 have been presented in "South Coast Basin," [93]. These
show the high average flow rate occuring in February (4,000 cfs) and the low
in September.(130 cfs) with a twelve-month mean of 1,700 cfs.

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

No information.

Sediments

Net littoral drift in the area is from north to south [57].

Results of analyses of two dredge samples taken from the Chetco River
by the Corps of Engineers in July 1971 showed organic contents ranging
from 1.83% to 4.04%, void ratios from 0.577 to 0.769, and mean grain size
dedium to fine sane [124].

Water Quality Information

At the present time, the DEQ has no water surveillance stations on
the Chetco River.

Thermograph records taken at mile 4.4 of the Chetco River on August
and September of 1962 (Table 7) show a mean water temperature in August of
66'F and extremes of 73'F and 62'F and September with a mean temperature of
63'F and extremes of 69'F and 58'F [138].

As of 1963, the only sewage treatment plant in the area was a primary
facility serving a population of 3,000 and capable of serving 5,000 [93].

CHETCO BAY

Table 1. Flow rates of the Chetco River and nearby
coastal tributaries [93,140].

Stream Point of Drainage Period Flow rate (cfs)
measurement area of
(sq.mi.) record maximum minimum

Chetco River mile 10.7 271 10/69-(1971) 65,800 52
(near Brookings) (1/16/71) (10/14,15,/70)
Chetco River (1) below mouth 1926*1952 --- 47.70
of the North (9/31)
Fork
Ransom Creek (2,3) 1953-1961 300 ---
(near Brookings) (1/53)
Harris Creek (2,3) 1953-1961 439
(near Brookings) (12/54)

(')Minimum miscellaneous.discharge measurements only.
(2 )Annual maximum discharge measured at crest stage gaging stations.
(3 )Ransom and Harris Creeks are coastal streams located just north of the Chetco R.
)This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.

Period of record is not continuous.

Biological Information

Estimated number of adult anadromous salmonids spawning in the Chetco
River are as follows: spring chinook--O; fall chinook--3,000; coho--500;
steelhead--4,000; and sea-run cutthroat--2,500 [78]. In comparison with
other estuarine stream systems included here (Table B), these numbers are
quite low.

Roosevelt elk are present in the watershed, but are not as numerous as
in the nor@hern section of the South Coast Basin. According to the preliminary
report [70] to "Environmental Investigations. South Coast Basin," [78], the
only significant wildlife area in the lower bay is a section where brown
pelican feed on anchovies during the summer. Eel grass is not present in the
estuary. Following is a check list of fishes, waterfowl,.birds, and mammals
found in the vicinity of Chetco Bay [81].

CHETCO BAY

Biological Information

Game fish found in the estuary at least during a part of the calendar
year (in order of abundance) are: cutthroat trout, winter steelhead, fall
chinook, coho, rainbow trout. Game birdsfound are: American widgeon,
green-winged teal, pintail, scaup, ring-necked duck, bufflehead, common
golden eye, and red-breasted merganzer.

Shore and other birds most commonly found in or near Chetco Bay are:
least sandpiper, western sandpiper, western gull, herring gull, California
gull, belted kingfisher, double-crested cormorant, and brown pelican.

Medium commom mammals found in or near Chetco Bay are: harbor seal,
river otter, and the beaver. Uncommon mammals found are: California sea
lion, stellers sea lion, mink and black-tailed deer.

Physical Alterations

Modifications to Chetco Bay, summarized in Table 2, were completed in
1957 with further alterations between 1965 and 1970. Studies to determine
the feasibility of extending.the jetties have been authorized, but funds
have not yet been made available as of 1971 [129].

Water borne traffic through the channel project totaled 191,000 tons
.in 1969, consisting almost entirely of wood chips. Annual use between 1960
and 1969 averaged 99,000 tons [129].
Table 2. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers modifications to
Chetco Bay [126,129].
Proposed Location Demensions Date and (1)
modification stations
Depth Width Length
(feet) (feet)

North Jetty 1957-Completed
Elevation increased; 1965-Authorized
length extended 450 ft. 1970-Completed

South Jetty 1957-Completed
1962-Repairs
completed

Entrance through the 7 120
channel bar 14 120 1965-Authorized
1970-Completed

Small boat down stream 4
basin and from Harbor
barge ship

Protective 1,800 1965-Authorized
dike' 1970-Completed

Small boat 12 110 1965-Authorized
access 1970-Completed
channel
(1) Lack of completion date does not necessarily signify that the
modification has not been completed. 3S

CHETCO BAY

Estuary U e

Industrial and Commercial

Economy of the basin depends primarily on forestry and the manufact-
ure of wood products, Table 3. Wood products are shipped from the estuary,
and use is made of adjacent lands for stockpiling of wood chips. Agricul-
ture, commercial fishing, and recreation are also of importance. Mining
does not make a considerable contribution, although there are several
claims in the area. Most of the known mineral deposits, located in the
headwaters of the Chetco River, are either chronite or gold [34,81].

Table 3. Major manufacturers at Chetco Bay.171].

Location Name Type of Number
Business Employed

Brookings Brookings Plywood Corp. (2432) 340

South Coast Lumber Co. (2421) 165

Agnew Timber Co. (2432) 100

Ferry Creek Rock and (3273) is
Concrete Inc.

Pacific Rock and Paving (2951) is

Wood Logging Eugene S. (2411) is

21 manufacturers employing 10 or less
dealing in (2411).

Harbor Brookings Fiberglass (3732) .9
Boat Inc.

Kirkpatrick, DR (2411) 1

Driftwood House (2999)

)Type of business is given in [71]: "Directory
of Oregon Manufacturers, 1972 " Each manufact-
urer is listed under the number in parentheses.

CHETCO BAY

Estuary Use

Industrial and Commercial

Commercial food fish landings received at Brookings are shown in
Table 4 and again in Tables D and E of the introduction.. In comparison
with landings received at other Oregon Ports, these figures are fairly
high. Twenty-two percent of the 1970 commercial salmon catch of the South
Coast Basin was received at Bandon. Total catch for the basin (South Coast)
consisted of 3,000,000 pounds of coho and 1,200,000 pounds of chinook at a
value to fishermen of $2,500,000 [34,78].

Due to frequent flooding and drainage problems, agricultural use of
the tidal areas consists primarily of dairying activities rather than hay
and pasture. About 270 acres of the well-drained sandy soils south of
Brookings are used for lily bulb -production. Although the area used is
relatively small, the activity is of considerable economic importance [93].

Table 4. Commercial harvest of food fish
received at Brookings, 1971 [341.

Species Harvest Fisherman
(pounds round value
weight)

Coho 1,478,040 $ 463,000

Groundfish 1,178,134 97,000

Crabs 1,072,526 376@000

Shrimp 766,320 101J000

Albacore 240,004 71,000
tuna

Pinks 904 ---

TOTALS 5,227p934 $lp350,000

Recreational

Sport fishing at Chetco Bay is becoming increasingly popular. The
Chetco River provides the best salmon and steelhead fishing south of the
Rogue River. Chinook enter the river from September to mid-November. Coho
are present from late in September through December. Casting from the up-
river shores is most popular, although there is some trolling in the tidewater.
Chinook fishing offshore generally begins in July; August and September are
report'edly the best months for offshore coho-fishing. Boats can be chartered
at Brookings [58,81]. According,to the FCO study from October to March 1971,
there was a limited silver and striped perch fishery by shore anglers in the
estuary. Boat angling for anchovy proved more successful [38]. Estimated
salmon and trout annual harvest data for the area ate given in Table 5 1781.

CHETCO BAY

Estuary Uses

Recreational

Table S. Estimated ar-nual harvest data for
recreational fishing at Chetco Bay(l) [78]

Species Area fished Annual Effort Gross
Harvest (anglerdays) Expenditures
(total
number)

Salmon ocean 8,000 16,800 $S92,000
estuary 1,400 3,500 103,000
Chetco River 100 400 7,400
system

Steelhead Chetco River 1,200 4,800 88,800
system

Sea-run Chetco River ISO 100 1,850
Cutthroat system

Average of data from past years.

Boating is also an important recreational activity and is directly
associated with sport fishing [93]. The Chetco River boat landing is
located at mile 0.2 [961. In addition to fishing, hunting for black-
tailed deer, eik, black bear, and waterfowl Are also major recreational
activities. but not in the immediate vicinity of the estuary.

State parks in the area number three. Two of these, Harris and Azalea
Beaches, are-located on the coast to the north. Camping is permitted at
the former but not at the latter. The third park (Loeb) is situated at mile
5 of the Chetco River. Camping is also permitted there. Attendance figures
for 1966, 1968, and 1970 are given in Table 6 [82].

CHETCO BAY

Table 6. State park annual attendance, 1966,
1968, and 1970 f82,83].

Park 1966 1968 1970

Azalea
day visitors 72,116 190,568

Harris Beach
day visitors S45,128 542,732 704,734
Camper nights 61,601 55,273 56,193

Loeb
day visitors 75,104 78,024 86,946
camper nights 7,930 10,801 13,544

Table 7. Surveillance stations at Chetco Bay.

Type of Name and/ or Approximate Drainage Period of Reference
station identifying location area record
number (sq.mi.)

Climatological Brookings elevation-- 1912-(1960) [92,931
(formerly
Harbor);
USWB#1055

Stream Chetco River Chetco River; 271 10/69-(1971) [140]
gaging near Brookings mile 10.7

Crest stage Harris Creek 1.05 1953-(1961) [93]
gaging near Brookings
USGS#3788

Ransom Creek 0.74 1053-(1961) [93]
near Brookings
USGS#3789

Water Chetco River Chetco River; August and [138]
temerature near Brookings mile 4.4 September
1962

(1)
Data available in punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.

This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.

4000

3wo

3200

30DO 3000

28M 2NO 2WO

2600 2600

2 00 2400

z 2" 22M 2"
0 it

2W - zw 21m 21W
w
-j
w ism ism two 1800

1600 1600 it 16W 16W

,@14ffl 1400 1400 1400

20
1200 in, 1@ 1200
x
U

1000 1000 Iwo 1000

45
Bw 800 w Wo

x
- 6w 600 600 40 STATE WATER RE .SOURCES BOARD

M., 1962
400 4W 4W ,,,vco 400 CHETCO BASIN
to- 200 200
RNER
STREAM PROFILE
25
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1. 10 1@ 20
STREAM MILES ABOVE MOUTH FILE NO. 17A.472
2).

COOS BAY

T .4 S

GUN-
4v

7
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ci
16 fOm
is Z. 15

T25 EMM
19 22 <21 19

25 30 29 28

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SAY
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14 Wow .4 mem R* wale, 17

23 24 24 19

26 2 26

rl.IZ4 M. C
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@14@@ O@@ *72 COOS BAY
STATF of ORfCON
01W 9.11 QMSiON of STATE L4NOS
s'- '- C-d- F6bWly 19-13
',d

COOS BAY

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

COOS Bay, the largest of the estuaries included in this report
(Table A), is located about 200 miles south of the mouth of the Columbia
Ri,ver. Most towns in its vicinity lie to the south. Their populations
and very approximate locations are given in Table 1.

Table I. Population centers at Coos Bayl [24,96,1111.

name general location river mile approximate 1970
location distance from population
estuary mouth
(miles)

Barview Coos Bay; south side 1.4 1,388
Empire3 Coos Bay; south side 4.5 3,781'(1960)
Glasgow Coos Bay; north side .9.0 400
North Bend2 Coos Bay; south side 9.9 8,553
.Cooston Coos Bay; north side 10.5 100
Coos Bay2 Coos Bay; south side 13.3 13,400
Eastside2 Coos Bay; south side 15.4 1,331
Charleston South Slough; east side 0 2 700
Hauser North Slough; west side 4.5 13.5 250
Englewood Coalbank Slough; west side 1.5 14.5
Libby Coalbank Slough 2.0 (0.6 mile to 15.0 300
the west
Bunker Hill Isthmus Slough; west side 0 13 1,549
Millington Isthmus Slough; west side 2 15 @00
Dellwood South Fork Coos River.; 9.0 26.5 rural
north side
Allegany West Fork Millicoma River4; 0.1 26.3 40
north side

lTidal effects extend approximately to mile 9 of the South Fork Coos River and to
mile 8.7 of the Millicoma River.
21ncorporated
3Consolidated with Coos Bay in 1965
4Also described as being located on the Millicoma River [93,129].

Coos Bay

The estuary is roughly 10,000 acres in size; surface areas reported
by Johnson [551 and Marriage [59] are presented in Table 2 with the
latter's estimate of the number of tideland acres. Aerial photographs

Table 2. Reported surface areas of Coos Bay [55,591-

reference tidelands
surface area measured at
(acres) acres percent

[61 10,973 HW
83,242 M5L
5,810 LW

[631 9,543 4,569 48

ISpecified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal
action.

indicate that these tidelands consist of sand bars in the lower reaches
and mainly mud, silt, And marsh-pasture flats in the upper reaches [53].
Other measurements given by Johnson are shown in Table 3 [551.

Table 3. Dimensions of Coos Say [551

distance from throat to
farthest estuary shore--13.4 miles

inlet dimensions at throat (at MSL):
width--2,060 feet
average depth--29 feet
cross-sectional area--56,500 sq ft

average lagoon depth below MSL--5 feet

The bay is quite complex with close to 30 tributaries, the major
one being the Coos River from the east. The river's point'of discharge
into the bay 12 miles from the estuary mouth is considered its zero
mile. It is formed by the South Fork Coos River and the Millicoma
River at mile 5.5; the Millicoma River is formed by the East Fork
Millicoma River and the West Fork Millicoma River at mile 8.7. Lengths,
drainage areas, and annual fresh water yields of these rivers are
shown in Table 4 [93,96].

Coo s Bay

Table 4. Lengths, drainage areas, and fresh
water yields of Coos Bay tributaries [93,96].
Strewn Length Drainage Fresh water annual yieldt
(miles) areas (ac-ft)
(sq.mi.) maximum minimum mean
Coos River 5.52 415 2,200,000 1,130,000 1,590,000
South Fork Coos River 31.33 254 1,280,000 660,000 930,000
Millicoma River 8.74 151 880,006 450,000 630,000

East Fork Millicoma River 23.9 79 460,000 230,000 330,000

West Fork Millicoma River 34.9 55 --- --- ---

lYields were estimated for 1930 to 1961 by correlations from available -records
(consisting of spot observations with no complete water years of record).
2 To the confluence of the South Fork Coos River and Millicoma River
3 To the confluence of Williams River and Tioga Creek
4 To the confluence of the West Fork Millicoma. River and the East Fork Millicoma
River
5 Total Coos Bay drainage area is-not the sum of these individual drainage areas.

The area port commission is stationed at the city of Coos Bay
where there is also a community industrial development corporation.
Their addre,sses and phone numbers are as follows:

Port of Coos Bay Jobs and Industries, Inc.
P.O. Box 787 of Southwestern Oregon
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420 P.O. Box 359.
269-1131 Coos Bay, Oregon 97420
267-7035

Also, located in Charleston is the University of Oregon Institute of
Marine Biology (Paul P. Rudy, Director), from which a great deal of
information is available.

A comprehensive report on Coos Bay has.been prepared by the
U.S. Department of the Interior [142].

Drainage Basin

Coos Bay drains a total of about 605 sq mi (estimated from [93-
plate 11) which yields an average of 2,200,000 ac-ft of fresh water
annually [931. The basin consists primarily of forests (88% or
532 sq mi) with some croplands (2% or 12 sq mi) and rangelands (1%
or 6 sq mi) [931. (These areas are approximate since the percentages
were given for the Coos Bay drainage basin pluis an adjacent coastal
zone of about 124 sq mi).

Coos Bar

Average annual precipitation ranges from 50 inches along the coast
to 100 inches near the headwaters of the Millicoma River [93]. Records
from the North Bend.and Allegany climatological stations, listed in
Table 12, are available through the OSWRB in puch card or printout form
[92,1431.

Wind roses from North Bend show 50% of the January winds coming from
the southeast at speeds generally between 4 and 15 mph and July winds
coming from the north 30% of the time and from the northwest 30% of the
time at speeds from 4 to 31 mph [7].

Stream profiles for the Coos Bay river systems appear on page 63

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

Coos Bay is.described-as being fully exposed to waves at the throat
(55]. Tidal effects extend as far as Dellwood on the South Fork Coos
River (mile 9) and as far as Allegany on the Millicoma River (mile 8.7)
[93,96]. Both towns are about 27 miles from the estuary mouth.

The mean tidal range'is 5.2 feet with a diurnal range of 7.0 feet
and an extre e range of 11.0 feet [86]. Tidal prism gn mean-range
is 1.86 x 10 cu ft with a diurnal range of 2.51 x 10 cu ft [55].

The average tidal current velocity is 2.0 knots (3.4 ft/sec) with
maximum ebb currents of up to 7 knots (11.8 ft/sec) and maximum flood
currents of up to 3.5 knots (5.9 ft/sec) [7].

Currents and tidal ranges are being measured (summer 1973 through
spring 1974) to determine the times of maximum ebb and flood flow [1].

River Discharges

Although stream gaging stations on the estuary tributaries are limited
(there is one on the West Fork Millicoma River near Allegany [140]), estimates
of the average monthly discharge of the Coos, South Fork Coos, and Millicoma
Rivers have been made (931. These are shown in Table 5.

Records from September 1954 to October 1970 from the stream gaging
station on the West Fork Millicoma River at mile 6.8 (Table 12) where the
drainage area is 46.5 sq mi show an average discharge at this point

Coos Bay

of 257 cfs and extremes of 8,100 cfs (December 11, 1960) and f.8 cfs
(September 1965 and 1967) [140].

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

Salinity measurements in Coos Bay and the Coos River have been
reported by Burt and McAllister for one date during each of the fol-
lowing months: June 19S6, October 1957, and January, March, and June

Table 5. Flow rates of Coos Bay tributaries [931.
s ream (at @outh) drainage area average monthly flow-Fcf-sTr-
(sq mi) high low mean.

Coos River 415 5,500 90 2-,200
February August
September

South Fork Coos River 254 3,300 50 11300
February August,
September

Millicoma River 151 2,200 30 870
February September

IYields were estimated for the period from 1930 to 1961 by correlations from
available records (consisting of spot observations with no complete water
years of record).

19S8 [12]. Of these five test dates, salinity intrusion was greatest on June
27, 19S6 at LHW-at the "Coos River High School." (The distance was not
given, but it is greater than 17 miles from the ocean.) Salinity was
2.3 ppt on the surface and 3.3 ppt at a depth of 13 feet with a concurrent
temperature at both points of 20.9'C. Measurements beyond this were
not recorded.

on the basis of salinity change from top to bottom,. Burt and McAllister
found that the estuary was either well mixed or partly mixed during January,
April, and June; during November it was partly mixed; during all other
months it was well mixed [13].

@Temperature, salinity and current measurements extending over one or
more tidal cycles were made by McAlister and Blanton [611 at various times
during the three year period 1960-1963. On the basis of these measurements,
they concluded that Coos Bay ranges from a well-mixed estuary during periods
of low runoff to a partially mixed estuary during periods of maximum runoff.

Coos Bay

Burt and Queen [10] describe tidal overmixing in Coos Bay. During the
flood stageof the tide, more dense water tends- to flow over less dense
water resulting in sinking of surface waters and thus an intense mixing over
the water depth toward the end of the flood tide.

Sediments

Seaaonal (summer 1973 through Spring of 1979) measurements of salinity,
temperature, turbidity, pH and dissolved oxygen are being taken for high
and low tides with depth and length within the estuary [1].

Littoral drift is to the south in the summer and to the north in
the winter with a net transport to the south [7,57]. Since the comple-
tion of the south jetty (described under "Physical Alterations"), en-
trapment of sand has occurred between this jetty and Yoakim Point located
approximately 1 mile to its south [57].

Sediments transported to the estuary from its drainage basin average
72,000 tons annually [85,86].

The Corps of Engineers has *analyzed dredge samples which were taken
from the estuary oncein March 1960 and 12 times between June 1970 and
May 1972 [124]. Organic contents of these samples ranged from 0.38% (April
1972--lower Jarvis Range) to 8.77% (October 1971--river mile 14.00);
void ratios ranged from 0.570 (December 1970--Upper Jarvis Range) to
3.344 (March 1960--Coos Bay channel, station 51.35); and the mean grain
size was generally that of fine sand. Volitile solids greater than ten per-
cent have been reported in the Isthmus slough area [S,1421. Free sulfides
have also been measured within some of the sediments of Ithmus slough [5].

Water Quality

The DEQ operates 26 water surveillance stations in this area (Table
12)--15 in the bay and 11 in South Slough [67,68]. Records in punch
card or printout form are available from some stations for as far back
as May 1957. The total number of sampling dates ranges from five (at
a station on South Slough, operating since July 1970) to 70 (at two
different stations on Coos Bay, operating since May 1957).

The primary factors affecting the water quality are commercial and
domestic waste [155] and ground water seepage from a coal field (the largest
in the state) located southeast of the bay and covering 250 sq mi [531.
The only area of the estuary which is reportedly still considered a de-
finite water quality problem is Isthmus Slough [100).

Table 6. Sewage treatment plants at Coos Bay 119,65,117].
USN station Coo,s Bay #2 North Bend Coos Bay #1 Eastside Bunker Hill EAF -station

location 3/4 mile 1/4 mile I mile north
south of west of of the center
Empire North Bend of the city
Airport of Coos Bay

area served North Bend city of
Coos Bay n
0
1
number now 90 4,925 6,600 8,370 1,500 @1,200 (A
U1
serving tz

description secondary primary primary primary primary primary secondary

average flow (mgd)
rainy 0.58 to 0.8 1.14 2.86 0.14 0.201
(3.4-peak)
dry 0.21 0.59 1.35 0.07 0.121

lEstimated, based on limited data [117].

Coos- Bay,

A listing of the major waste discharges in the Coos Basin (including
receiving water, type of was-te, volume, and present treatment) has been
given in an interim report on a feasibility atudr for regionalization of
sewerage facilities in the Coos River and Chetco River Basins [117].
According to this study, there are seven sewage treatment plants in the
Coos Bay area. Information concerning these facilities is presented in
Table 6.

Biological

The numbers of adult anadromous salmonids spawning in the Coos Bay
stream system, low in comparison with the other estuarine stream systems
included in this report as shown in Table B, are estimated as follows:
spring chinook--O, fall chinook--500, coho--8,300, steelhead--5,000, and
sea-run cutthroat 3,500 [781.

Sportsmen take salmon, striped bass, shad, perch, staghorn sculpin,
crabs, and clams in the bay. The most numerous clams are gaper, which
account for 40% of the state's total bay clam landings. These, along with
cockle, butter, and littlenecks, are located mainly in the lower reaches
of the estuary. Softshell clams (decreasing in number in recent years) are
supported in the upper portions of the bay. Pacific oysters are produced
in South Slough, but native oysters, which were once common, no longer
exist f38,53,1551. -

Mallard, pintail, widgeon, and coot are the most abundant
waterfowl in the Coos Bay area [78]. Canvasback and pintail ducks
use it as a migrant or wintering area, and black brant use it for
wintering [1551.

The vicinity around the estuary is a winter range for black-
tailed deer, the most numerous big game animal of the South Coast
Basin. Elk winter to the east of the estuary, and the watershed
contains one of Oregon's-largest Roosevelt elk herds [78].

Physical Alterations

Proposed alterations to the estuary, many of which have been
completed, are quite extensive with two jetties, numerous channels,
and five basins. An attempt has been made to summarize these modifica-
tions, as described in the Army Corps of Engineers -report [1291, in Table
7. Project use statistics are included under "Estuary Uses".

Army Corps of Engineers records from 1959 through 1969 (excluding
1968) show annual dredging of the entrance channel and periodic dredging

Coos Bay

Table. 7. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Modifications. to Coos Bay [128,129]

Proposed Dimension ,s
Modification Location Uepth width length Date and Status
(feet) (feet)
COOS BAY PROJECT
I929-completed
North Jetty entrance 1940-reconstructed
1970-repair started
South Jetty entrance 1942-reconstructed
1962-63-rThabilitated
Channel entrance 40 suitable 1 mi 1952-comp eted

Channel entrance to mouth of 30 300 15 mi 1937-"main channel"
Isthmus Slough (15 dredged to a
miles from estuary depth of 24 feet
mouth) 1951-"30-foot
channel" com-
pleted

Channel Mouth of Isthmus 22 iso 3 mi
(Isthmus Slough) Slough to Millington
(on Isthmus Slough;
18 miles from
estuary mouth)

Turning Basin Opposite Coalbank 30 600 1,000 ft
Slough

Turning Basin At the City of 30 600 1,000 ft
North Bend

Anchorage Basin Outer part of- 30 600 2,000
mile 3.5

Anchorage Basin Coos Bay - near 30 600 2,000
mile 7

Connecting Deep Water in Coos 10 150 1956-completed
Channel Bay to the Mooring
Basin at Charleston
(near South Slough)

Channel In South Slough to the 10 150 1970-completed
Extension Highway Bridge

Mooring Basin Locality of Charleston Soo 900 1956- "Small
Boat Basin at
Charelston
pleted

Breakwater Locality of Charleston

Bulkhead Locality of Charleston

COOS AND MILLICOMA RIVERS PROJECT
Channel Coos River Mouth on 5 50 13.8('))
Coos Bay to Allegany
on The Millicoma
River 196&--channel
improvements
Channel To Dellwood on the 5 50 15(3) completed
South Fork Coos
River

Channel Dellwood to mile 3 50 0.7
14.7 of the South
Fork Coos River

-lLack of Completion date does not necessarily signify that the modification has
not been constructed (The Coos Bay project is described as complete).
20bserved on USCGS chart #5984 (March 18, 1972).
31ncludes the 5.5 miles of channel on the Coos River which the 2 presumably have
in common.

Coos- Bay

of the "river channel" (1969), the "inner channel" (1959, 1962, 1963),
and the 1130-foot channel" (1961). Amounts dredged ranged from 523,752
cu yds -removed from the entrance and river channels i n 1969 to 2,729,077
cu yds taken from the entrance channel in 1966 [55].

Dredging (by'bucket or clamshell) has been performed by private
contractors in Coos and Millicoma Rivers with spoil disposal on
high land [501. In June 1972 the Georgia Pacific Co. (Coos Bay) sub-
mitteda request for a permit to do maintenance dredging in 3 areas
of Isthmus Slough.[311.

During the period of 1920-1970, approximately 1500 acres of tidelands
have been filled and 2000 acres diked for agricultural use adjacent to
coos Bay [1421. A map of filled and diked areas is available [1421.

Industrial and Commercial

Timber and fish resources are of major economic importance to the area,
although agricultural activities involved mainly with dairy products,
poultry, cattle, hogs, sheep and lambs, rabbits, and turkeys also provide
some income [24,93,100,155].

A listing of manufacturers at Coos Bay, presented in Table 8, indicates
that most jobs there arie connected in some way with the lumber manufacturing
industry [71]. Such jobs, in fact, account for 58% of the Coos County
work force [24]. Wood and wood products comprise a large percentage
of the traffic using the Coos Bay and River and Millicoma River projects
[1291, and Coos Bay is the leading lumbershipping port in the U.S. [4].
In 1969 the Coos Bay channel project saw 6,102,000 tons of waterborne
traffic--41% (2,500,000 tons) of this was rafted logs; 36% (2,200,000
tons) was wood chips and the remaining 23% (nearly 1,500,000 tons) was
lumber, exported logs, petroleum products, and paper and paperboard.
Traffic using the Project between 1960 and 1969 averaged 4,181,000 tons
annually. Traffic on the Coos and Millicoma Rivers averaged 1,589,000
tons for the same time period and totaled 1,257,000 tons (all rafted
logs) in 1969 [129]. An estimated 500 acres of the bay and its tributaries
are used at some time for log rafts [100. It has been estimated (1971)
that as much as 15 to 20 percent of the surface of Marshfield Channel,
Isthmus Slough, and lower Coos River are covered with stored logs [1421.
A review and discussion of the ecological impacts of man's activities is
provided in a special report by the U.S. Department of the Interior [142].
Lumber shipments from Port of Coos Bay in 1971 totalled 463,976,968 tons
lumber and logs, 2,238,136 tons chips, 42,529 tons plywood, and 5,208,092
tons general cargo.

Coos Bay

Table 8. Major Manufacturers at Coos Bay [71,1001.

Location Name Type of Business Number
employed

Charleston Peterson Sea Foods Inc. crab and shrimp packaging 140

Hallmatk Fisheries crab and shrimp packaging 100

Fishermens Cooperative fish, crab, and shrimp packaging 5
Association Inc.

North Bend Weyerhaeuser Co. lumber and wood products 1,640
(particleboard, wood chips,
plywood)

Menasha Paper Co. corrugating paperboard 160

Maze Bros. Logging Co. logging and mill 40

17 manufacturers dealing mainly in logging, wood
employing under 25 products and soft drinks

Coos Bay Coos Head Timber Co. saw and planing mills, plywood 400

Georgia-Pacific Corp. plywood 368

Cape Arago Lumber Co. wood products 175

A] Peirce Co. lumber 115

Georgia-Pacific Corp. hardboard 105

Eureka Fisheries, Inc. fishery products packaging 69

The World newspaper 60

Sixes River Logging Co. logging 50

Georgia-Pacific Corp. phenolic and urea resins,
formaldehyde, chemical specialties 45

35 manufacturers dealing mainly in lumber and wood
employing 35 or under products

Eastside Nelson Log Bronc Co. steel work boats and tugs; steel 19
fab-saw mill equipment

Coos Bay

Commercial fishing from Coos Bay itself, as indicated by the statistics
presented in Table 9 is quite limited [20,118]. However, landings received

Table 9. Commercial Harvest of Shad, Striped Bass, Crabs, and Clams at
Coos Bay, 1969, 1970, and 1971 f20,118i.

Species 1969 1970 1971
pounds fishermen pounds Ti@shermen -pounds fis-F-ermen
landed value landed value landed value

Shad(') 32,425 $4,000 59,865 $9,000 54,973 $8,000

Stripe 18,337 3,000 13,524 2,000 8,984 1,000
BasVI)
Crabs(2) 67,846 24,339 1,000
Clams(2) 5,109 4,522 10,893

lsource of reference [201; data for Coos Bay and its tributaries.
of reference[1181; data for Coos Bay.

th-ere from the entire area (Table 10) are.extensive [34]. In 1971 Coos
Bay was one of the Oregon ports receiving the most commercial fish landings
(Tables D and E), and in 1970 it receivied 57% of the South Coast Basin
salmon landings [34,78]. -Most of the fish packaging plants there (Table
8) are centered in Charleston [71].

A report covering the ecological features of Coos Bay has been
prepared by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The report includes
maps of Coos Bay showing aquatic vegetation, benthic shellfish habitat,
bristle worm species, and shrimp habitat [142].

Recreational

As can be seen from Table 11, sportsmen spend a great deal of time and
money on angling at Coos Bay. Salmon fishing is excellent offshore,
where chinook and coho abound from early June to early September. A
limited number of fall chinook and coho can also be caught near the head
of tidewater from mid September to th-e beginning of November [58,78].
Most commonly caught species other than salmon and trout, as determined
by the FCO Study from March to October 1971, include shiner perch,
staghorn sculpin, and red rock crab by shore angling; dungeness crab
and relatively few black rock fish and red rock crab by boat angling;
and gaper, butter, and cockle clams by clamming [381. The estuary also

Coos Bay

reportedly provides good shad fishing, particularly in June and July,
as well as some of the best striped bas-s fishing of the South.Coast Basin
WitTL July to October being the peak period. Striped.ba-ss from the bay
average 6 pounds [78].

Table 10. Commercial Harvest of Pood
Received at Coos Bay, 197161s"[34].

Species Harvest
(pounds round Fishermen
Weight), value

Groundfish 2,688,307 $ 221,000
Coho 2,119,332 663,000
Crabs- 1,898,998 665,000
Shrimp 1,521,483 197iO00
Albacore Tuna 376,877 112,000
Chinook 128,945 66,000
Shad 54,973 8,000
Clams 1-0,893 1,000
Striped Bass 8,984 1,000
Pinks 929
Oysters 208

Totals 8,.809,929 $1,934,000

lIncludes 1971 data presented in Table 9.

Table 11. Esti ed Annual Harvest Data for Sport Fishing at Coos
Bay Tli [78].

Species area annual harvest effort gross
fished (total number) (angler-days) expenditures

Salmon Estuary 500 11250 $ 37,000
Ocean 28,400 32,300 2,101,600

Sea-run Streams 150 100 1,850
cutthroat

Steelhead Streams- 1,400 5,600 -103,600

Shad Estuary 6,500 2,990 55,315

Striped bass Estuary 875 1,660 30,710

lAverage of data from past years.

Coos Bay

Table 12. Surveillance stations at Coos Bay.

type of name and/or approximate drainage period of references
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)
climatological Charleston elevation--10 feet 1938-1940 [93)
North Bend FAAAP elevation--Il feet 1902-1960 [92,93,1431
(formerly Marsh-
field) USGS #6073 (92,93,143]
Allegany Millicoma River; 1940-1960
mile 9
stream gaging West Fork West Fork Millicoma 46.5 1954-(1970) 198,140) 2
Millicoma River River; mile 6.8
near Allegany;
USGS #3245

3
DEQ water #1 Coos Bay; green light 5/57-(5/72) [67,681
surveillance #7; 1/4 mile north (43 measurements)
of Fossil Point

#2 Coos Bay; red light #10; 5/57-(5/72)
1/4 mile north of (70 measurements)
Pigeon Point

#3 Coos Bay; red light #12, 5/57-(5/72)
112 mile north of (42 measurements)
Sitka Dock

#4 Coos Bay; red light #16, 4/60-(5/72)
1/4 mile north of (38 measurements)
Empire Dock

#5 Coos Bay; green light 5/57-(5/72)
#23 opposite (70 measurements)
Henderson Marsh

#6 Coos Bay; black can #27; 5/57-(5/72)
1/4 mile west of (41 measurements)
railroad bridge

#7 Coos Bay; green light #35; 5/57-(5/72)
mouth of Kentuck Slou gh (70 measurements)

W8 Coos Bay; red light #36; 5/57-(5/72)
opposite mouth Cooston- (42 measurements)
Willanch Channel

#9 Coos Bay Yacht Club; 5/57-(5/72)
opposite McCurdy Marina (42 measurements)

#10 Coos Bay; shipping 5/57-(5/72)
channel opposite mouth (42 measurements)
of Marshfield Channel

Coos Bay

Table 12. Surveillance stations at Coos Bay, cont.

type of name and/or approximate drainage period of references
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)
DEQ water #11 Coos Bay; red light 1 8/57-(5/72) [67 68]3
surveillance mile up Marshfield (25 measurements)
Channel

#12 Coos Bay; green light 5/57-(5/72)
#43 opposite downstream (25 measurements)
from Coalbank Slough
#13 Coalbank Slough at 9/66-(5/72)
Highway 101 bridge (12 measurements)

#14 Isthmus Slough at 5/57-(5/72)
Eastside Bridge (25 measurements)

#15 Isthmus Slough at Coos 6/60-(5/72)
City Bridge (21 measurements)

#1 South Slough; 150 yards 4/67-(5/72)
east of flashing light (19 measurements)
at entrance; opposite
fisherman's coop

#2 South Slough; 15 yards 4/67-(5/72)
east of southern most (20 measurements)
moorage float at
Charleston small boat basin

#3 South Slough; 100 yards west 4/67-(5/72)
of slip on east bank (19 measurements)

#4 South Slough; channel 50 4/67-(5/72)
yards east of Hallmark (20 measurements)
Fisheries Dock, Charleston

#5 South Slough; channel, 20 4/67-(5/72)
yards west of Hansen's (20 measurements)
Landing Docks

#6 South Slough; channel, 50 4/67-(5/72)
yards west of mouth of (19 measurements)
Joe Ney Slough

#7 South Slough; channel, 250 4/67-(5/72)
yards south of Collver (19 measurements)
Point

#8 South Slough; channel, 0.3 4/67-(5/72)
miles southwest of (13 measurements)
station 7, 50 yards west
of bank

Coos Bay

Table 12. Surveillance stations at Coos Bay, cont.

type of name and/or approximate drainage period of references
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)
DEQ water South Slough; channel, 4/67-10/68 [67,6813
surveillance 0.3 mile south of (12 measurements)
station 8

#10 So -uth Slough; channel, 4/67-10/68
0.2 mile south of (12 measurements)
station 9

#11 South Slough; Joe Ney 7/70-5/72
Road bridge (5 measurements)
water quality Coos River; miles 1.8. 1930-1933 [93)
4, and 5.5 (spot
observations)

water West Fork West Fork Millicoma 46.5 10/54-(1968) [1411
temperature Millicoma River River; mile 6.8 (4 days monthly)
near Allegany

chemical 10/63-(9/68) [141j
analysis,

Precipitation data available in punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.
2Monthly and water-year runoff records have been compiled and are available in punch card
or printout form through the OSWRB.
3Data available in punch card or printou't form through the DEQ; records are not complete
before 1967.
0 This is the most recent record date found and not necessarily the last.

coos
3

I RIVER
R RIVER

4
STREAM MILES ABOVE MOUTH

COQUILLE
2

>
w
w
RIVER

30 V-

STREAM MILES ABOVE MOUTH

SIXES

> -TE -R 80UR- IIQARD
J
w 01,
coos-CoQuiul
DRAINAGE BASIN

RIVER
STREAM PROFILE

STREAM MILES ABOVE MOUTH File No. 17.672
op

COQUILLE BAY

R. 15 W. R. 14 W.

BILLARDS BEACH
STATE PARK

PROSPER
18 17 16

-N-

71@

LEGEND

:9@ - - - SECTION CORNERS FOUND
- - - SECTION CORNERS LOCATED FROM OTHER SOURCES
24
PROJECTED CORNERS

TIDELAND BETWEEN ELEVATIONS OF MEAN LOW WATER
OREGON AND MEAN HIGH WATER

'0,0 S H L), 28S.
Zom L
T.
.wo L @CALE

o 'Do. moo woo 4ooo sooo

0 101 LEI
25 EILD BANDO TIDELWD MA P o7,
TIDELAND MAP COMPILED FRCW APRIL 1971 AERIAL
PHOTOGRAPHY. FIELD PHOTO IDENTIFICATION NOVEMBER 1972 COQUILLE RIVER
CONTROL FROM cass. cmARr NO. 3971

OREGON STATE PLANE COORDINATES SOUTH ZONE S TA TE OF OREGON
RECTANGULAR GRID DIVISION OF STATE LANDS
-@-looo NOVEMBER 1972

COQUILLE BAY

jti6n of Estuary -and 'Drainage 'Basin
General D6�cril

Estuary

Coquille Bay lies approximately 225 miles south of the mouth of-the
Columbia River. It is a long and narrow estuary and is among the smallest
of those included in this report (Table A). Population in the area is
centered in the incorporated towns of Bandon, Coquille, and Myrtle Point.
Approximate locations and 1970 populations of these and other towns have
been summarized in Table 1 [96,111].

Table 1 Population centers at Coquille Bayl [96,1111.

name general location river mile approximate 1970
location distance from population
estuary mouth
(miles)
Bandon2 Coquille River; south side 0.1 to 1.8 0.1 to 1.8 1,832
Prosper Coquille River; south side 4.5 4.5 rural
Randolph Coquille River; north side 6 6 rural
Parkersburg Coquille River; south side 8.0 8.0 rural
Riverton Coquille River; south side 16.4 1.6.4 150
Leneve Coquille River; north side 19.5 (0.5 mile to
the north)
Coquilld Coquille River; north side 24.5 to 24.9 24.5 to 24.9 4,437
Johnson Coquille River; east side 27.7 27.7 no pop
Arago Coquille River; west side 32.5 32.5 100
Norway Coquille River; north side 34.7 34.7 150
Myrtle Point2 South Fork Coquille River; 0.7 to 1.7 37 to 38 2,511
east side

lTidal..effects extend approximately to between miles 36 and 40 of the Coquille River.
21ncorporated
31ncorporated in 1970

The es-tuary measures roughly@760 acres- (an average of the surface area
given by Johns-on at HW [55] and by Marriage [59r] and presented in Table
2). Other dimensions reported by Johnson are given in Table 3 [SS].

Coquille Bay

Table 2. Reported surface areas of Coquille Bay [55,591.

reference surface area measured.at
(acres)

[6] 818 HW
582 MSL
346 LW

[631' 703

ISpecified by Marriage as the area affected
by tidal action.

@Table 3. Dimensions of Coq4ille Bay

distance from throat to
farthest estuary shore--2.3 miles
inlet dimensions at throat (at MSQ:
width--620 feet
average depth--11.5 feet
cross-sectional area--7,030 sq ft

average lagoon depth below MSL--7feet

The major tributary of Coquille Bay is the Coquille Ri *ver which has
its zero river mile at the mouth of the estuary, at the outer end of the
jetties [96]. The main stem of the Coquille River is formed by the South
Fork Coquille River and the North Fork Coquille River at a point 36.3
miles from its mouth. Tributaries (creeks and sloughs) of this main stem
number about 13 from the north and 20 from the south. The entire Coquille
River, from its mouth to the headwaters of the South Fork Coquille River,
N measures 99 miles, making it the longest river of the South Coast Basin [93].
The Middle Fork Coquille River flows into the South Fork Coquille River at
mile 4.7, and the East Fork Coquille River discharges into the North Fork
Coquille River at mile 9.1. Tables 4 and 5 give the length.s, drainage areas,
and estimated fresh water yields of these major streams [93,96].

Coquille.Bay

Table 4. Lengths and drainage areas of Coquille Bay tributaries [961.

stream length drainage area
(milesl (sq mi)_-
Coquille River 36-31 1,058
North Fork, Coquille River 53.3 .289
South Fork Coquille River 62.8 598
East Fork Coquille River 33.8 135
Middle'Fork Coquille River 40.3 310

ll'o the confluence of the North Fork Coquille and
South Fork Coquille Rivers

Table 5. Fresh water yields of Coquille Bay tributaries t931.
stream point of drainage complete fresh water annual yieldi
measurement area water years (ac-ft)
(sq mi) of record maximum minimum mean

Coquille River mouth 1,058 none 3,900,000 1,220,000 2,400,000

North Fork near Myrtle 276 1930-1946 1,120,000 374,000 720,000
Coquille River Point

South Fork Powers (near 169 1917-1926; 950,600 287,000 573,000
Coquille River. mile 29) 1930-1961

East Fork mouth 135 none 450,000 150,000 290,000
Coquille River
Middle Fork near Myrtle 305 1931-1946 1,020,000 257,000 590,000
Coquille River Point

lYields were estimated for the period from 1930 to 1961 by correlations from available
records.

Coquille Bay

Port commissions at Bandon and Broadbent serve the area [106]. Their
addresses and phone numbers are:

Port of-Bandon Port of Coquille River
P.O. Box 53 P.O. Box 1245
Bandon, Oregon Broadbent, Oregon
347-2669 572-5937

Drainage Basin

The estuary drainage basin, as shown in Tables 4 and 5, is 1,058
sq mi with an average fresh water yield of 2,400,000 ac-ft/yr, based
on an estimated annual average yield of 2,270 ac-.ft/sq mi. The area is
rough and mountainous, consisting of approximately 88% (931 sq mi) forests,
5% (52 sq mi) cropland, and 6% (63 sq mi) rangeland [49,93].

Annual rainfall varies from 50 inches (at the mouth of the Coquille
River) to 110 inches (near the headwaters of the South Fork Coquille River)
'[93]. Precipitation records from the Bandon and Coquille climatological
stations described in Table 14 are available in punch card or printout
form through the OSWRB [92,143].

Elevations range from sea level to 5,100 feet [93].

Stream profiles for the Coquille Bay river systems appear on page 6.3
in the Coos Bay Basin section.

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The estuary is described as being fully exposed to waves at the
throat [551. Tidal effects on the Coquille River extend as far as from
36 to 40 miles (near Myrtle Point) upstream [53,931. The mean tide range
is 5.2 feet with a diurnal range of 7.0 feet [55] and an egtreme range
of 10.0 feet [86]. Tidal pr@sm on mean range is 1.32 x 10 cu ft with
a diurnal range of 1.77 x 10 cu ft [55].

River Discharges

Table 6 lists the mean, maximum, and minimum flow rates of the Coquille
River and its major tributaries. These flow rates are either estimated
monthly averages as presented in th-e "South Coast Basin" [93] or one-day

Coquille Bay

extremes recorded at USGS stations and published by that agency [140].
More information on the stream gaging stat,ions is included in Table 14.

Salinity and Clas-sification by, Mixing

No information.

Table 6. Flow rates of Coquille Bay tributaries [93,i4OJ.

stream point of drainage period of flow rate
measurement area record (cfs)
(sq mi) maximum minimum mean-
Coquille River mouth 1,058 none] 8,250 130 3,300
February September
North Fork near Myrtle 276 1930-19461 29450 55 1,000
-bruary September
Coquille River Point Fe
near Fairview 74.0 10/63-(1970)2 4,660 2.0 289
(river mile 21.7) 1/65 10/67
South Fork at Powers 169 1917-(1961)1 19880 32 790
Coquille River (river mile 29) January September
9/16*(1970)2 48,900 12 784
(12/22/64) (9/61)
East Fork mouth 135 nonel 1,050 20 400
Coquille River February August,
September
Middle Fork near Myrtle 305 1931-19461 2,150 25 810
Coquille River Point February September

lAverage flow rate by month was estimated for the period from 1930 to 1961 by
correlations from available records E42].
2Extreme daily flow rates were recorded [27].
This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.
Period of record is not continuous

Sediments

Net transport of sediments in the area of Coquille Bay seems to be to
the south with accretion being dominant at the south jetty. Accretion also
occurs to some extent to the north. where a spit has-developed at the end
of the Coquille River [57]. Sediments- transported to the estuary each year
are estimated to average 100,000 tons 185 86].

Dredge samples taken by the Corps of Engineers at the Coquille River,
.entrance once in 1960 and twice in 1970 showed organic contents ranging

Coquille Bay

from 0.44% (August 1970) to 0.60% (November 1970); void ratios ranging
from 0.376 (September 1960) to 0-660 (Nugus-t 1970); and mean grain size
either that of fine s-and (August, November 1970) or medium sand (September
1960) [124].

Water Quality

The DEQ operates ten water surveillance stations in Coquille Bay
(Table 14)[67,681. Records have been kept since September 1968 with
five or six measuremen.ts at most of the stations between then and March
1971.

The city of Bandon has a new (1971) sewage treatment plant [103], and
the city of Coquille has a primary treatment facility available to industry
[25] (Table 7). The only real pollution problem reportedly arises at
Moore Mills (at Bandon) where dumping of sawdust and bark into the bay
and log storage occur [81].

Table 7. Sewage treatment plants at Coquille, Bay [25,101,1031.

City of Bandon City of Coquille

.completion date 1971

location Coquille River; south
side; mile 0.5; in
Bandon

area served 1/3 of the population
in 3/4 of the area of
number served Bandon
description secondary primary
average flow (mgd)
rainy. 0.473 (high monthly
average
1.5 (high for one day)
dry 0.018 (low for one day)
overall 0.21

Biological Information
Estimated numbers of anadromous salmonids- ng in the Coquille
-Mr- chinook-.-4,9'00,
River system are as follows: spring chinook.-S(Y fall

(1) A remnant run found mainly in the South Fork Coquille River.

-7 ')

Coquille Bay

coho--23,000, steelhead--16,100, and sea-run cutthroat--12,000. A
comparison w-ith other stream systems can be made from Table B [78].
During June, striped bass and shad spawn in the tidal portion of the
Coquille River where brown bullhead (a warm-water game fish.) can also
be found [78]. Other common species include softshell clams (located
in the tidal flats between the mouth and mile 3.5), surf smelt, perch,
and dungeness crab [38,53,155].

Waterfowl use of the estuary up to Riverton near river mile - 16.3
is estimated at 39,000 waterfowl use days per year, with white winged
scoter (coot) being the most abundant [81]. American widgeon, pintails,
wood ducks, american merganzer, and surf scoters can be found to a-lesser
degree [78,81].

The most abundant shorebirds include great blue heron, gulls
(western, herring, and California), belted kingfisher, and double
crested carmorant. The common crow is also frequently found [811.

Some river otter, mink, and beaver inhabit the area around the estuary
[81], and black-tailed deer (the most abundant big game animal of the
South Coast Basin) use it as a wintering range. A section to the north
of the estuary serves as a winter range for elk, and the Coquille water-
shed contains one of the largest Roosevelt elk herds in Oregon [78].

Physical Alterations

Alterations at Coquille Bay by the Corps of Engineers, described
in Table 8, include two jetties and an ent�ance channel [126,129]. Statistics
of project use have been included under "Estuary Uses." Records of dredging
activities (also by the Corps of Engineers) between 1959 and 1969 (excluding
1968) show annual dredging of the entrance channel with 62,250 cu yds
being a typical quantity removed [55].

Under the "Coastal 60-40 Stream Improvement Program," the Middle
Creek Fishway, located 18 miles east of the city of Coquille on the Coqui,lle
River, was constructed by the FCO [119]. No completion date was given,
but dedication of the fishway took place in 1963.

The OSGC operates a hatchery at Bandon from which a total of 799,771
fish were released in 1970. These consisted of 527,390 cutthroat trout,
241,618 summer steelhead, 24,610 rainbow trout, and 6,153 winter steelhead
[801.

Industrial and Commercial

Lumber-related activities are of major economic importance to the
area, although commercial and recreational fishing also provide some income.

Coqukile Bay,

Table 8. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Modifications to Coquille Bay (126,128,129].

Proposed depth Dimensions -i-e-ngth Date and Status
Modification Location width
(feet) (feet)

North Jetty Entrance 3,450 feet 1908-completed
1942-reconstructed
1951-750-foot
extension
added to east end
1956-repaired

South Jetty Entrance 2,700 feet 1908-completed
1954-repaired

Channel Entrance 13 Suitable 1.3 miles 1933-completed

Major manufacturers in the area, which are listed in Table 9, deal
mostly in lumber and wood products. Lumber in coast wise trade accounted
for 40% of the-370,000 tons using the Coquille channel project in 1969,
and rafted logs accounted for the other 60%. (Traffic through the project
between 1960 and 1969 averaged 446,000 tons [129].

Presented in Tables 10 and 11 are commercial fish landing statistics
for the Coquille Bay area. In comparison with figures for commercial
fishing at other estuaries included in this report (Tables D and E),
these are quite low. Shad, striped bass, and Crab are the primary species
taken from the estuary,-while salmon account for most of the landings
received from the ocean [20,34,1181. In 1970, Bandon received 9% of
the south coast salmon landings or roughly'.270,000 pounds coho and 108,000
pounds chinook at a total value to fishermen.of $225,000 [781.

Recreational

. Sports fishing for salmon and trout is quite popular (Table 12).
Between mid-September an&the first good high water in November, both
chinook and coho abound, mainly in the lower 20 miles of the Coquille River.
Most of the angling is by boat, with some along the shore in the upper
reaches [58]. Other commonly-caught species (as determined in the study
by the FCO between March and October 1971) include surf smelt, redtail
perch, and relatively few shiner perch by shore angling; dungeness crab
by boat fishing; and softshell clams by clamming [38]. Some shad and
striped bass are als-o taken--harves-t data are included in Table 12.

Hunting for waterfow-1 along the first 16 miles of the Coquille
River peaks-in Decemher and was es-timated at 900 hunter days-.for 1970.
There is exceptionally- good pigeon hunting at Prosper (approximate
-river mile 4.5), but the area is- now (1972) closed to public access.
When open to the public, use averages 2,500 hunter days [81].

CQq'uille, Ray

Table 9. Major Manufacturers at Coquille Bay [2,25,71].

Location Name Type of Business Number
Employed

Bandon Moore Mill,and lumber 170
Lumber Co.

Rogge Lumber lumber 90
Sales Inc.

9 manufacturers dealing mainly in logging and
employing less than 20 food products

Coquille Georgia-Pacific plywood, studs, chips 300
Corp.-Coquille Plant

Georgia-Pacific Corp. plywood, lumber, and chips 250

Gold Mountain logging 30
Logging Co.

11 manufacturers dealing mainly in lumber and wood
employing 10 or under products (mostly logging)

Norway Georgia-Pacific veneer and chips 85
Corp.

Norway Archery arrow manufacturer 6
Myrtle Leep Logging Corp: lumber 40
Point

Doyle Veneer wood veneer 29

11 manufacturers dealing mainly in lumber and wood
employing 10 or under products (mostly logging)

There are boat ramps at the Port Docks in downtown Bandon, Bullards
State Park, Rock-Point at mile 2, Coquille at mile 24.2, and Arago, at
mile 32.4. The small boat basin at Bandon takes care of about 100 fishing
and pleasure boats [2,96].

The City of Coquille has two parks (one developed and one not), and
Bullards Beach State Park borders Coquille Bay and the ocean to the
north. Attendance at Buliards Park by day visitors and campers showed
a fairly steady increase from 1966 to 1970 with the exceptions of 1968 and
1969 when use by campers and day visitors, respectively, dropped.
Figures given in Table 13 are for total park attendance for 1966 and 1970
only with estimates of the percentage of those attending who actually
used the estuary portion of the park [82,83].

Coquille Bay

Table 10. Commercial Harvest of Shad, Striped Bass, and Crabs from
Coquille Bay [20,1181.

Species 1969 ___1970 1971
pounds tisnermen ounds fishermen pounds fishermen
landed value @anded value landed value

Shad(l) 13,485 $2,000 7,430 $1,000 11,607 $2,000

Stripe 796 395 537 0
BasVi)
Crabs(2) 644 0

ISource of reference (201; data.for Coquille Bay and its tributaries.
2Source of reference (1181; data for Coquille Bay.

Table 1.1. Commercial Harvest of Fo?I)Fish
Received at Bandon, 1971 [34] .

-Species Harvest
(pounds round Fishermen
weight) value

Coho 440,728 $138,000
Chinook 48' 113 27,000
Crabs 20,328 7,000
Shad 11,607 2,000
Groundfish 7,037 11000
Pinks* 1,912 11000
Albacore Tuna 660
Striped Bass 537
Totals 530,922 @_176,000

lIncludes 1971 data presented in Table 10.

Coquille Bay

Table 12. Est* t d A a] Harvest Data for Sport Fishing at Coquille
Bay 781

Species area annual harvest effort gross
fished (total number) (angler-days) expenditures

Salmon Estuary 1,300 3,250 $ 96,200
Coquille 150 600 11,100
river system
Ocean 500 600 37,000

Sea-run Coquille 400 250 4,625
cutthroat river system

Steelhead Coquille 3,500 14,000 259,000
river system

Shad Coquille Bay 250 115 2,127

Striped bass 50 95 1,758

lAverage of data from past years.

Table 13. Bullards Beach State Park Annual Attendance, 1966 and
1970 [82,83].

Park Users 1966 attendance .1970 attendance
total estuary(l) total estuaryM
park park

day visitors 222,712 1,114 292,312 -'-l 462
camper nights 34,265 <_ 171 50,601 253

Actual use of the estuary.portion of the park estimated to be
less-than 0.50 of the total attendance.
10

Coquille Bay

Table 14. Surveillance stations at Coquille Bay.

type of name and/or approximate drainage period of reference
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)

climatological Bandon (formerly Coquille River; 1887-1960 [92,93,1431
Coquille R.L.H., mile 0.5
Bandon'2E)
Coquille Coquille River; 1942*1954 [92,9311
mile 25

2
stream gaging North Fork North Fork Coquille 282' 1929-1946 [98]
Coquille River River; mile 4.30
near Myrtle Point;
USGS #3270

North Fork North Fork Coquille 74 1963-(1970) [98,1401.
Coquille River River; mile 21.7
near Fairview;
USGS #3268
South Fork South Fork Coquille 169 1916-(1970) [98,140]2
Coquille River River; mile 29
at Powers;
USGS #3250
Middle Fork Middle Fork Coquille ]2
Coquille River River; mile 2.2 305 1931-1946 [98
nean Myrtle Point;
USGS #3265

crest stage Geiger Creek near 1.36 1953-(1961)
gaging Bandon; USGS
#3271
]3
DEQ water #1 Coquille Bay; channel 9/68-(7/70) [67,68
surveillance nest to old lighthouse (5 measurements)

#2 Coquill.e Bay; next to 9/68-(3/71)
Coast Guard Station, (6 measurements)
40 yards from south
shore

#3 Coquille Bay; red channel 9/68-(3/71)
buoy #14 (6 measurements)

#4 Coquille.Bay; channel 9/68-(7/70)
opposite Moore Lumber (5 measurements)
Mill, Bandon

#5 Coquille Bay; channel 9/68-(3/71)
at Highway 101 bridge (6 measurements)

#6 Coquille Bay; channel at 9/68-(3/71)
Riverton Ferry (5 measurements)

Coquille Bay

Table 14. Surveillance stations at Coquille Bay, cont.

type of name and/or approximate drainage period of reference
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)
DEQ water #7 Co quille Bay; channel 9/68-(3/71) [67,68]3
surveillance at Coquille STP (6 measurements)
outfall (50 yards
below highway bridge)

#8 @Coquille Bay; channel, 9/68-(7/70)
112 mile below high- (3 measurements)
way bridge

#9 Coquille Bay; channel 9/68-(3/71)
at Rink Creek (4 measurements)

#10 Coquille Bay; channel, 9/68-(3/71)
I mile upstream (4 measurements)
from station #9

water quality North Fork North Fork Coquille 196G-(1961) [93]
Coquille River River; mile 4.3
near Myrtle
Point

water Ferry Creek at Ferry Creek; mile 1943-1956 [93]
temperature hatchery 2 (about 3 miles
from the estuary
mouth)

lPrecipitation data available in punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.
2Monthly and water-year runoff records have been compiled and are available in punch card
.or printout form through the OSWRB.
3Data available in punch card or printout form through the DEQ.
0 This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.
Period of record is not continuous.

ELK RIVER

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101

Por t rford
OP 5 W.
INTERIOR-GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, WASH. D.C.-1963 i (FORT ORFORD) 124'0301 GOLD BEACH 33 Mi.
6175 376DOOm-E.

ELK RIVER

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

The Elk River Estuary lies approximately 237 miles south of the
Columbia River mouth. It ranks as one of the smallest in size in terrs
of surface area. Port Orford is the nearest populated community which
is located 1 mile south of the Coast Highway Bridge (U.S. 101) that
crosses the Elk River. Census figures for Port Orford appear in Table 1.

Table 1. Population Centers Near
Elk River [9,96,111,134].

Name General Location River Mile 1970
location Population

Port 1 mi. south of Elk not 1,037
Orford R. Coast Hwy. Br.. applicable
(U.S. 101)

The HW surface area of the estuary as estimated from 1973 EROS Data
Center aerial photographs is 290 acres [135].

The average annual yield of the Elk River at its mouth was 330,000
ac-ft for ther period of 1930-1961. The minimum annual yield was 180,000
ac-ft,and the maximum, 470,000 ac-ft. The Elk River source is at river
mile 29.8, elevation 890 feet (river mile 29.8 is the confluence of the
North Fork and the South Fork of the Elk River) [93,96].

The Port of Port.Orford is located at P.O. Box 227, Port Orford,
Oregon, 97465; telephone number 332-3281 [106].

Drainage Basin

The Elk River drains a total basin area of 94 sq. miles. The average
yearly freshwater yield of the Elk River is 330,000 ac-ft which equals an
average annual precipitation of 66 inches over the basin [93].

The Elk River Basin consists primarily of woodlands (96.1%; 58,766
acres), croplands (3.0%; 1,814 acres), and pasture (1.0%; 180 acres).
As of January, 1963 the Elk River had no existing storage ponds or reser-
voirs, but had 2 potential reservoir sites being studied.

The.average annual precipitation ranges@from 65 inches at'the-mouth
of the Elk River to 120 inches in the upper Teaches [93].

ELK RIVER

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

There are two climatological stations in the vicinity of the Elk
River Estuary. The Cape Blanco station has precipitation and tempera-
ture data from 1952 and the Port Orford station has precipitation and
temperature data from 1852 to 1856 and from 1905 to the present. (See
Table 7) [93,143].

The Elk River has a length of 29.8 miles to the confluence of the
North Fork and South Fork, the North Fork Elk River having an additional
length of 5 miles. The elevation drop from the source to the mouth for
the Elk River is 890 feet and 2,080 feet for the North Fork. The average
gradient for the Elk River is 30 feet per mile and 400 feet per mile for
the North Fork [93].

Elk River stream profile appears in page 63 in the Coos Bay Basin
section.

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

According to the U.S. Geological Survey the average range of the
tide is approximately 5 feet [144].

It appears that the mouth of the Elk River Estuary may migrate several
hundred yards and change its position periodically due to the sand bar and
the coastline characteristics at the mouth. During the summer months the
sand bar prevents saline water from entering the estuary except during
periods of extremely high tides.

River Discharges

Stream flow records are available from the USGS stream gaging station
on the Elk River at river mile 3.2. The station is discontinued, but
records are available for data taken between October, 1967 and June, 1970.
Spot observations are available for years 1926,1931-32, 1934-38, and 1949
to 1982 [148].

Table 2. Stream Gaging Data [148].

Stream Location Drainage Complete Flowrate (cfs)
(river mile) area water years
(sq.mi.) of record. max. min. mean

Elk River 3.2 86.1 Oct., 1967- 14,300 48 610
near Sixes, Ore. June, 1970

ELK RIVER

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Salinity and Classification.by Mixing

Salinity profiles as a function of depth and distance from the
mouth of the river are presented in Table 3. Data was taken on August
22, 1973 during a high tide of +7.5 feet [871.

Table 3* Salinity Values for the Elk River
Estuary.* Aug. 22, 1973 [871.

-j-e-
Station Distance Salinity % pth
from (ft.)
mouth
(mi.) ___top bottom

1 0.1 0.2 0.2 1

2 0.2 0.2 0.2 2

3 0.3 0.2 0.2 2

4 1.4 0.2 0.2 3

5 1.6 0.2 0.2 5

6 1.7 0.2 0.2 7

7 1.9 0.2 0.2 5

The Elk River mouth was almost completely
closed off by sand bars and no saline
water'entered the estua@ry except for
extremely high tiaes.

Sediments

Cliffs and small embayments characterize the shoreline south of
Cape Blanco. The narrow beaches in the area are composed of coarse
sands and gravels. From Cape Blanco (through Port Orford) the beach
C,
is narrow with mountainous uplands, partially developed with residences.

According to the National Shoreline Study by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, (Aug., 1971), the shoreline at Cape Blanco to the north
of the estuary is experiencin g non-critical erosion. The beaches in
the immediate vacinity of the Elk River Estuary are experiencing no
erosion [12S].

ELK RIVER

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Sediments

The generalized sediment yield for the Elk River basin is 0.1 to
0.5 ac-ft per sq., mile per year [231.

Water Quality Information

Miscellaneous flow and temperature measurements forthe basin were made
by the Oregon State Game Commission. Temperature ranges from these
sources are presented in Table 4 [78].

Table 4. Temperature Extremes for Elk
River Drainage Basin [78].

Point of Period of Observed temperature extreme
measurement record (FO)
max. min. type of observation

Elk River 4-8-69 to 70 51 spot
river mile 3.5 7-22-69

Elk River below 4-8-69 to 69 49 spot
Bald Mtn. Creek 7-22-69

Elk River above 4-8-69 to 69 49 spot
Butler Creek 7-22-69

Elk River above 4-8-69 to 69 49 spot
Bl.ackberry Cr. 7-22-69

Anvil.Creek 4-'8-69 to 62 so spot
mouth 7-22-69

Bald Mtn. Creek 4-8-69 to 67 49 spot
mouth 7-22-69

Purple Mtn. 4-8-69 to 56 49 spot
Creek mouth 7-22-69

Panther Creek .4-8-69 to 67 48 4.6t
mouth 7-22-69

Butler Creek 4-8-69 to 65 47 spot
mouth 7-22-69

Blackberry CT. 4-8-69 to 61 47 spot
mbuth 7-22-69

DEQ water quality stations are listed in Table 7.

ELK RIVER

Biological Information

Estimates of the number of adult anadromous salmonids in the Elk
River.system are a:s follows: spring chinook--none, fall chinook--3,200,
coho--800, steelhead--3,SOO, and sea-Tun cutthroat--2,800. The Elk
River is considered to be one of the most important fall chinook streams
.on the Oregon Coast [78,93].

Dace, cottids, red-sided shiners, sticklebacks,.Iamprey, and suckers
are the known rough fish species in the stream systems of the South
Coast Basin (78].

Low natural summer runoff coupled with extensive streamside logging
in the Elk River watershed contribute to warm stream flow conditions
during the summer. The Elk River is also affected by siltation and logjams
[78].

.The Elk River system has 10 streams used by adult anadromous salmonids,
of which have minimum flow recommendations established and 1 protected by
the State Water Resources Board.

Table 5 refers to the estimated sport harvest in the Elk River system.

Table 5. Estimated Annual Harvest,
Angler Days, and Gross Expenditures
for Angling in the Elk River System
[781.

Fish Harvest Angler Gross
Days Expenditures

Salmon 4,200 16,800 $310,800

Steelhead 1,200 4,800 883@800

Sea-run 300 200 3J.700
Cutthroat

TOTALS 21,800 $403,300

Includes jack salmon

The Elk River Estuary is small in size, but this estuary, along with
the Sixes, Pistol, Chetco, and Winchuck is very important to the survival
of salmon and steelhead.

Figure I is a periodicity chart showing when adult spawning anadromous
fish are present in the Elk River system.

Figure 1. Periodicity Chart for Adult Spawning
Anadromous Fish in the Elk River System [78].

Chinook Salmon

Coho Salmon -----------------------

Steelhead and
Cutthroat trout

Stream Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. April May

Elk River.
............ ...

Anvil Creek

Bald Mountain Creek ----------------

Butler Creek

Elk River., North Fork

Elk River South Fork ...........
..........

..................... ......... .....
Blackberry Creek ................ .......... .....

Panther Creek

Red Cedar Creek -------------

ELK RIVER

ji@ol(@ @ic@j_ Information

A general description of big game, upland game, waterfowl, and furbearers
of the basin is given in the Sixes River section on Biological Information.

Physical Alterations

The only physical alteration near the estuary is the Oregon Coast Highway
Bridge (U.S. 101), at river mile 3.2 [96].

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Irrigation, mining, and gravel removal are the basic industrial and
commercial uses of the Elk River. The average annual yield of the Elk River
is 330,000 ac-ft while the legal annual depletion is 1,000 ac-ft and the
estimated actual annual consumption is 900 ac-ft. The Elk River has 1 reservoir
right issued for industrial purposes with a total of 32 ac-ft storage capacity
and a surface area of 5 acres. Surface water rights include 3.99 cfs consumptive
for domestic, irrigation, and industrial purposes.

Chromite, gold, quicksilver, and coal are mined in the watershed [93].

Port Orford manufacturers are listed in Table 6.

Recreation

The principal attraction of the basin is the Pacific Ocean. The large
forest areas covering the slopes of the Coast Range which include the Siskiyou
National Forest provide excellent hunting.

Parts of the Elk River flow through the northern portions of the Siskiyou
National,Forest. Several streams in the basin have outstanding aesthetic value
and make a significant contribution simply because they maintain attractive flows,
have little streamside development, and possess watersheds that have not been
excessively logged. The Elk River above Anvil Creek was selected by the Oregon
State Game Commission as a stream which should be managed for its aesthetic
value [78,93].

ELK RIVER

Table 6. Major Manufacturers at
Port Orford, Oregon [71].

Location Name Type of Number
Business Employed

Port Cape Fisheries Inc. Canned and Cured Fish 75
Orford and Seafoods

If Walter and Allen Logging Camps and Logging 5
Cram Co. Contractors

If Laird Logging Co. If 100

N.B. Marsh Logging not
Co. listed

if Stole and Bens 4
Loggers

Western States Veneer and Plywood 245
Plywood Cooperative

Port Orford Press Newspapers-Publishing, 2
Publishing and Printing

Table 7. Surveillance Stations near the
Elk River Estuary

Type of Name and/ or Approximate Drainage Period Reference
identifying location area of
.number (sq.mi.) record

Climatol.ogical Cape Blanco T32S, R16W 1952- [93]
Sec. 2 present

Langlois T13S, RISW 1891-
Sec. 35 1904

Langlois 2 T13S, RISW 1922-
(Formerly Sec. 2 present
Denmark, Willow
Creek)

Port Orford T33S, R15W 1852-
(Formerly the Sec. 8 1856.,
Heads) 1905-
present

Water Quality Elk River I mi T32S, RlSW [lS2]
above Hwy 101 Sec. 21
Bridge- river inile 4.5

NECANICUM RIVER

Head of T'd. 880,000

-N
GEARHART

9 @ATE HIGHWAY 10
D SIDN
"I . . . . . . BY5,000 OREGON

gin. SEASIDE
ell-
AIRP-T
To.

------ 77
Isla
SIANIE
LAKE

@aoe art
So"

YEN

22
21

TYPE of OWNERSHIP

State of Oregon

Private

Port, County, Federal, or City
LL POPIDS
H,,d of Tid,
ey

28 27
+ 8i
8

Tideland Map Compiled fro, May 1970 and Jon, 1971 aerial us 10@ OX, 2000 TIDELAND OWNERSHIP MAP
prolography Pea pi dermfKafan Fel, 1973 of
Gamnal fro. 019an Slar, Npn@ of Re,nmoe FaWa CM, Map, NECANICUM RIVER
0m,. IH- Mo. Cadina- No,11, Zone
STATE Of OREGON
R-mgol,, Grid I DIVISION of STATE LANDS
1973
RIOW WM,

NECANICUM RIVER

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

The Necanicum River Estuary iies approximately 16 miles south of
the Columbia River mouth. Of the estuaries included herein, it ranks
among the smallest in size. Towns located on or near the estuary
include Seaside and Gearhart. Locations and 1970 populations are
given in Table 1 [95,111,129].

Table 1. Population Centers at Necanicum River
19,95,111,134]

Name Genral Location River Mile 1970
Location Population

Seaside Necanicum R., 0 to 2.9 4,402
S. Side at mouth

Gearhart Necanicum. R., 0 to 0.9 820
N. Side

Tidal reach is approximately 3.0 miles from the
mouth of the Necanicum 187

The estuary measures less than 2,000 feet at its mouth and covers
about 278.acres [66]. Maximum depth varies from 9 to 12 feet becoming
very shallow at the mouth [87].

The estuary consists of the Necanicum River, Neawanna Creek, and
Neacoxie Creek. The Necanicum-Neawanna system drains an area of 87 sq.
miles with the source of the Necanicum at river mile 21.2, elevation
1,360 feet.

The mouth of Neawanna Creek enters the estuary from the North bank
at river mile 0.2. Neawanna Creek is approximately 7 miles in length
with its source at an elevation of 880 feet.

The mouth of Neacoxie Creek enters the estuary from the North bank
of river mile 0.2 also. The Neacoxie Creek is less than 4 miles in
length.with its source at Sunset Lake, elevation approximately 25 feet
[9S,123,129].

Drainage Basin

The Necanicum River-Neawanna Creek system drains a total area of
87 sq. miles. The average yearly freshwater yield of the system is
220,200 ac-ft with an average annual precipitation of 100 inches. The
basin consists primarily of forests (93.6%; 40,SOO acres), cropland
(1.2%; 500 acres), and rangeland (1.2%; 500 acres).

NECANICUM RIVER

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Drainage Basin

Frequently flooded areas along the Necanicum average 150 acres.
As of June, 1966, the Necanicum River had 4 storage ponds and I
storage reservoir with no plans for future reservoir sites.

The average annual precipitation ranges from 85 inches at Seaside
to over 110 inches at the headwaters of the Necanicum [1151.

The Seaside surveillance station hzs recorded climatological data
from 1931 to the present.

The Necanicum River stream profile appears on page 221 in the
Tillamook Basin section.

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

In an effortto determine the precise elevations of mean high water
(MHW) in the Necanicum River Estuary, the Portland District, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the National Ocean Survey, in
the fall of 1971 installed two temporary tide gauging stations in the
Necanicum River at Seaside, one located at the 12th Street Bridge and
the other near the City of Seaside Sewage Treatment Plant. A third
temporary tide gauging station was installed in the Pacific Ocean near
Indian Beach at Ecola State Park. Analyses of continuous measurements
of tidal fluctuations at these three stations show the tidal datum plane
for those stations as follows in Table 2. The tidal prism is equal to
approximately 1,350 ac-ft of water [27].

Table 2. Tidal Fluctuations for the Necanicum Estuary (27].

Elevation of Datum Plane
(feet)
Datum Seaside, Indian
Plane Sewage Plant 12th St. Bridge Beach2

MHHW 4.9 5.3 4.1
MHW 4.2 4.6 3.4
SLD 0.0 0.0 0.0
MLW -2.6
MLLW -3.9

NIHHW=Mean Higher High Water M14W=Mean High Water
SLD=Sea Level Datum MLIV=Mean Low Water
MLLW=Mean Laver Low Water

Two months of observation, Nov. and De c. 1971
231 high and low waters, observed from Jan. 27
to Feb. 14 1972

NECANICUM RIVER

Hydraul ic Description of Estuary

Tides and.Currents

Head of Tide is at about river mile 2.7 in the Necanicum (near the
golf course footbridge) and at about river mile 3.8 in Neawanna Creek
(400 ft. from the mill ponds) [73,87].

River Discharges

Stream flow records are available from the USGS stream gaging
station on the South Fork of the Necanicum River near Seaside, Oregon.
The station, no longer operating as of 1968, was located at the Seaside
water supply dam on Hollenback road, 1.4 miles upstream from the mouth
and 8 miles southeast of Seaside.

The drainage area at the station is 7.99 sq. miles or 9.2% of the
drainage area of the total system. Streamflow averages and extremes
7or the station are given.in Table 3 [147].

Table 3. Flowrates for South Fork of Necanicum River [146,147].

Stream Point of Drainage Complete water Flowrate (cfs)
Measurement area Years of record
(river mile) (sq.mi.) max. min. ave.

S. Fork 12.8 7.99 1953-1968 3040 1310 1965
Necanicum

The Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, by use of.the
regional frequency approach, and basin characteristics (mean annual
precipitation '_2 100 inche-s per year, -river length = 21 miles, average
stream surface slope 65 feet per mile) arrived at these estimates for
peak river discharges for the Necanicum River [271.

FLOOD PEAK DISCHARGES

2-year frequency 6,000 cfs
5 year frequency 7,900 cfs
10-year frequency 9,000 cfs
25-year frequency 10,300 cfs
50-year frequency 11,200 cfs
100-year frequency 12,000 cfs

Average monthly flows are given in Table 4 from the Oregon State
Water Resources Board, 1972.

NECANICUM RIVER

Table 4. Average Monthly Flows for Necanicum River [140].

Average Monthly Flows
(cfs)

20% 50% 80%

October 380 197 56

November 982 626 298

December 1286 836 565

January 1228 843 534

February 1153 843 546

March 867 616 415

April 588 401 234

May 255 169 103

June 148 59

July 63 42 26

August 30 23 16

September 52 26 14

Total

S.M. 0- Correlated with Youngs River at S.M. 9.7 by Area-
Preci-

Area= 70 sq. mi.

Area-Precip.= 417,837 Ac.-Ft. Calculated-by SWRB 172]

NECANICUM RIVER

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Salinity and Classification_by Mixing

The open estuary north of the Seaside Sewage Treatment Plant, during
periods of flood tide, has a general salinity of that camparable to the
adjacent Pacific Ocean, which salinity is only slightly reduced in concen-
tration by fresh-water flows of the river during ebb-tide periods.

South of the Sewage Treatment Plant, the full depth of the river
estuary, particularly along the bottom levels, will show evidence of
salinity concentrations during the flood tide periods, which may diminish
in concentrations, particularly in the upper levels, during ebb-tide
periods [27].

These conditions were observed on Auguest 17, 1973 during flood
tide of approximately +7.0 feet. Results are given in Table 5 [87].

Table S. Salinity Values for the Necanicum
River Estuary Aug. 17, 1973 1871.

Station Distance Salinity % Depth
from (ft.)
mouth
(mi) top bottom

1 0.6 26.9 26.9 2

2 .0.8 23.3 26.9 4

3 0.9 23.3 26.9 5

4 1.3 22.0 26.9 8

5 1.8 22.0 26.9 9

6 2.1 19.9 26.9 9

7 2.3 19.2 26.2 5

8 2.9 3.0 26.2 4

9 3.0 --- ---- 2

Sediments

The processes of sedimentation are apparently active in the open
estuary area as evidenced by the migration of the outlet channel to and
including the year 1968. Such migration of that channel is the direct
result of the deposition of sediments during periods of low flow when
velocities are insufficient to support the transportation of suspended
sediments.

NECANICUM RIVER

Hydraulic Descri2tion of Estuary

Sediments

The deposition of these sediments in the channel raises the elevation
of the water surface and thus imposes an increased hydraulic gradient with
respect to.downstream areas. The creation of this gradient and the influ-
ence of gravity causes the flow to take the most direct course which,
almost invariably, results in.a change in the direction of flow and thus,
migration of the channel [27].

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Shoreline
Study, the ocean beaches south of the Necanicum Estuary to Tillamook Head
are experiencing non-critical erosion while those north of the estuary
are experiencing no erosion [125].

The generalized sediment yield for streams in the area is 0.1 to
0.2 ac-ft per sq. mile per year [23].

Predominant direction of littoral movement is from north to south.
In this area, waves approach the coast from the northerly sector 49.25
per cent of the.time and-.f-rom-the--southei@ly-sector 31.71 per cent of the
time.

Water Quality Information

Miscellaneous flow and temperature measurements for the basin were
made by the Oregon State Game Commission. Temperature ranges from these
sources are presented in Table 6 [77].

Table 6,' Temperature Extremes for Necanicum Drainage Basin [77].

Point of Period of Observed Temperature
Measurement Record Extremes ('F)
Type of
max. min. observation

Necanicum River 4-7-71 to 67 45 spot
below Klootchie Cr. 8-21-71

Necanicum. River 1-7-71 to 65 43 spot
above Bergsrik Cr. 8-5-71

Klootchie Cr. 1-7-71 to 66 43 spot
mouth 11-16-71

South Fork 1-7-71 to 64 43 spot
Necanicum River 11-16-71
mouth.

North Fork 3-24-71 to 72 45 spot
Necanicum River 7-20-71
mouth

NECANICUM RIVER

Water Quality Information

There is one sewage treatment plant in Seaside built and expanded
between years 1940 through 1M2. It is of the trickling filter type
for a design population of 4,000 and a design flow of,l MGD. The estim-
ated population served in 1967 was 3,600. The Necanicum River is the
receiving stream. The Oregon State Sanitary Authoiity recommended that
additions to enlargement or improvement of the existing facility at
Seaside be completed by July 1972. The cost of the recommended work,
which consisted of interceptors and additional treatment works, was
estimated at $75,000 [84].

DEQ water quality stations are listed in Table 8.

Biological Information

Estimates of the number of adult anadromous salmonids spawning
in the Necanicum River system are at follows: spring chinook--none;.
-fall chinook--none; coho--3,780; chum--100; winter steelhead--2,000;
summer steelhead--none; and sea-run cutthroat--2,000 [77].

Other fish in the estuary include herring, sculpins, perch and
flounder [66].

The Oregon State Game Commission recommends that the Necanicum
River be protected against gravel removal above Meyer Creek.-.Tt was
also determined that a possible reservoir site on the South Fork Necani-
cum River (T5N-R9W-S29) is thought compatible with fishery resources [77].

Species of wildlife present in the basin are Black-tailed deer,
Roosevelt elk, muskrats, minks, raccoons, otters, beavers, oppossum, and
bobcats. The principal upland game birds are mountain quail, ruffed
grouse, and band-tailed pigeons. A few ring-neck pheasants and California
quail are also in the area [133].

Due to the combination of high density sand and coastal configur-
ation, the 20 hile long beach from Seaside to the Columbia River entrance
is ideal for razor clams [74].

Physical Al terations

At the Necanicum River entrance construction of a sand spit in the
open estuary beginning in late 1967., directed estuarine flows to the
Gearhart shores, causing erosion of that shoreline as well as erosion of
the Pacific shore for a distance of about 4,000 feet immediately north of
the entrance.

Sunset Cove, Inc., a land development firm, contracted the sand
spit on which the City of Seaside is located during the period between
November, 1967, and November 1969 without benefit of legal permit. Some
375,000 cubic.yards of sand were relocated from 'the firm's property and
the adjacent public beach area in the direction of the sand spit.

NECANICUM RIVER

Physical Alterations

The original construction also included the riprapping of the
western perimeter of the raised area to protect it from storm and ocean
erosion. In November, 1969, the protection was extended some 500 feet
northward and around the northeast corner of the sandfill site. Later
in May, 1970, as the result of high tides, snow-melt streamflow and its
natural tendency to meander, the course of the Necanicum River outlet
shifted to the south and attacked the northern extremity of the elevated
sand spit, necessitating emergency repairs [27].

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed projects for the
protection of public works from flood hazard totalling $46,600 as of
1971. Also,-a survey report was authorized to determine the feasibility
of providing a small-boat basin at the south end of the ocean beach at
Seaside, near Tillamook Head. Completion of that report has been post-
poned until it has been determined whether a qualified local sponsor for
the project can be found [129].

Records of bank protection, fill, piling, revetment, and sub-surface
cable permits issued for the Necanicum River estuary are kept by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District.

There are seven small bridges crossing the Necanicum River Estuary
at the City of Seaside [116].

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Clatsop County relies heavily on fisheries and an expanding forestry
industry for its livelihood. Total timber production in the county was
303 billion board feet in 1970, employing 1,020 persons in the industry
with annual wages directly and indirectly related to the timber industry
averaging $35,000,000.

Farmland in the county totals 39,S01 acres and is devoted largely to
forest products and forage for cattle and other livestock. Increased
industrialization and the growing need for housing space will continue to
put a stress on the farm economy of Clatsop County, according to the
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.

Mink raising is favored by the nearby supply of abundant fish meal,
and in 1967, 34 farms were raising a total of 34,000 female minks [116].

Table 7 lists major manufacturers in the Necanicum area.

100

NECANICUM RIVER

Estuary Uses

Recreational

Tourism added $10 million to the local economy of Clatsop County in@
1965 and officials estimate that the industry is expanding at a rate of
30 per cent per year. Attractions include sightseeing, beach activities,
fishing, big-game hunting,and boating. Points of interest in the immed-
iate vicinity of Seaside are Ecola State Par, The Lewis and Clart Salt
Cairn Historic marker, and the ocean beaches [116].

The estimated angler catch for Necanicum Bay was 9,000 fish in 1970
with an effort of 1,800 angler-days expended as estimated by the Oregon
State Game Commission [77].

101

NECANICUM RIVER

Table 7. Major manufacturers in Necanicum River Estuary

Location Name Type of Business Number
Employed

Seaside Bell Bouy Crab Co. Canned and Cured 45
Fish and Seafoods

ti Harrison.'s Bakery Bread and other 13
Bakery products

Phillips Candies Candy and other 14
Confectionery
products

Burke Logging Co. Logging camps and 5
Logging Contractors

Crown Zellerback Corp. 375

IT Kohl Inc. 12

Olson Logging, Ben 12

Ordway Logging Co. 8

IT Shaw Co., 14

Waterhouse Logging Co. 20

Wilson Logging Co., Ed Q. IT 14

it Seaside Publishing Co. Newspapers-Publishing, 8
Publishing and
Printing

Gearhart Gilmore, Andy 4 Lyle Logging Camps and 8
Logging Contractors

Wren Logging Co.

102

Necanicum River

Table 8. Surveillance Stations at Necanicum

Type of Name and/or Approximate Drainage Period of Reference
Stat on Identifying Location area record

Climatological Seaside Lat 450 59' 1931-1971 [143]
Long. 1230 551
El. 10

Stream Gaging S. Fork Lat 450 531 7.99 1953-1963 [140]
Necanicum Long. 1230 501
USGS #14-299000

Water Quality Necanicum R. River mile 0.1 [1521
near mouth

Necanicum R. River mile 1.3
near 12th
Ave. Bridge

Necanicum R. River mile 2.9
near Golf
Course Rd.
Bridge

Necanicum R. River mile 5.8
near Hwy 101
Hwy 26

Neawanna Cr. River mile 1.6
near 12th
Ave. Bridge

Neacoxie Cr. River mile 0.5
near Gearhart

Neacoxie Cr. River mile 1.4
near Golf
C Course Rd.

Neacoxie Cr. River mile 3.0
near-Surf
Pines Rd.

103

NEHALEM BAY

105

N"
MAAZA#17
26 25

130 33

-9

BR/&YraV

OREGON

LEVEND
------------ -1 - ----- mc rIoN wAwERs rowa
-----SEC770N CORWERS LOCAMD FROM orho? soa?cEs
- ----- Pfiaxcrro coomw
c=--77xLAw vErwmv nEvAnum or mrAN Low *Amr
AND MEAN HIM WAMR

---------------- 77MUM0 MAP
OF ME
SCALE' NEHALEM RIVER

574rE OF OREGON
DIVISION OF SrATE LANDS
AIWSr 1972

106

NEHALEM BAY

General Descriptidri-of Estuary@ and, Dtdindge 'Bds@in

Estuary

Nehalem Bay is located about 40 miles south of the mouth of the
Columbia River. Although. relatively large in size (Table A), population
is sparse. The three incorporated towns in the area--Manzanita, Wheeler,
and Nehalem--had a combined 1970 population of less than.900. These
and other population centers are given In Table 1 [89,9S,111].

Table 1. Population centers at Nehalem Bayl [aq,95,111]

name general location river mile approximate 1970
location distance from population
estuary mouth
(miles)
Manzanita2 coast; 3.5 miles north of the estuary mouth 365
Bayside Garden 120
Jetty Nehalem Bay; south side 0.5 not listed
Brighton Nehalem Bay; south side 1 60
Wheeler Hts. Nehalem Bay; south side 4 70
Wheeler2 Nehalem Bay; south side 4.5 262
Nehalem2 Nehalem River; west side 1.1 to 1.8 6.1 to 6.8 241
Mohler Nehalem River; south side 5.7 10.7 70
Foss Nehalem River; north side 10.9 15.9 not listed
Batterson Nehalem River; north side 12.8 17.8 no pop
Aldervale North Fork Nehalem River; 3.9 11.6 not listed
southeast side
Salmonberry Salmonberry River; south
. side 0.4 27.7 no pop

'Tidal effects extend approximately to mile 8.6 of the Nehalem River and to mile 4.7
2of the North Fork Nehalem River.
Incorporated

The estuary is about 2,820 acres in size. Reported surface areas
[SS,59,70] are given in Table 2. and other dimensions are included in
Table 3 155].

107

Nehalem Bay

Table 2. Reported surface areas of Mehalem Bay [55,59,701.

reference surface area measured at tidelands submerged lands
(acres) acres percent acres percent
[58] 2,388 HW
1,669 MSL
948 LW
[591 3,766 1 1,180 32
[70] 2,309 MHT 1,078 47 1,231 53
1,231 MLT

iSpecified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal action.

Table 3. Dimensions of Nehalem Bay

distance from throat to
farthest estuary shore--6.0 miles

inlet dimensions at throat (at LW):
width-@375 feet
average depth--20 feet
cross-sectional area--7,501 sq ft

average lagoon depth below MSL--2 feet

The main tributary of Nehalem Bay is the Nehalem River which dis-
charges into it from the east approximately five miles from the mouth.
The river drains an area of 847 sq mi and reaches a total length of
118.6 miles, making it the longest river of the North Coast Basin.
The North Fork Nehalem River, which has a length of 24.2 miles, flows
into the Nehalem River at mile 2.7. From that point to the ocean, the
river and bay have about two tributaries from the north and seven from
the south [89,95].

The Port Commission for the area with its address and phone number
is -[106]:

Port of-.Nehalem
P.O. Box 12S
Nehalem, Oregon 97131
368-5258

108

Nehalem Bay

Drainage Basin

Nehalem Bay drains an area of roughly-855 sq mi (estimated from
[89-chart]) with.an average annual fresh.vater-yield of 2,700,000 ac-ft
[53,143]. The Nehalem River, draining over 99% of the watershed (847 sq mi),
yields an average of 2,662,000 ac-ft of this total with estimated extremes
(between 1933 and 1958) of 4,400,000 ac-ft and 1,500,000 ac-ft . Forests
cover about 77S sq mi (91%) of the watershed, and streams total over
1,350 miles in length [89].

There are climatological stations, described in Table 7, at Classic
Lake and Nehalem; records from the latter are available through the OSWRB
in punch card or printout form [32,28]. Precipitation in the watershed
averages 8S inches along the coast, 120 inches in the northwestern sections,
50 to 60 inches to the eas-t, and near 150 inches in the south-central
portion [89].

Stream profiles for the Nehalem River system appear on page 2?_1 in
the Tillamook Basin section.

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The estuary is about 8 miles in length [53] and is described as being
fully exposed to waves at the throat [55]. Tidal effects extend to mile
8.6 of the Nehalem River and to mile 4.7 of the North Fork Nehalem River
[69]. The mean tide range is 5.9 feet with a diurnal range of 7.8 feet
[551 and gn extreme range of 15 feet [86]. Tidal grism on mean range is
4.28 x 10 cu ft with a diurnal range of 5.66 x 10 cu ft [55].

River Discharges

There is a stream gaging station on the Nehalem River at mile 13.5
(Table 7). Records from October 1939 to October 1970 show an average
discharge at this point of 2,705 cfs with extremes of 43,200 cfs (January
25, 1964) and 34 cfs (August 1967) [140]. The average monthly discharge at
the mouth of the Nehalem River from 1933 to 1958 has- been presented in
graph form in "North Coast Basin" [51]. Estimates from this graph-show
December with.the high average monthly discharge (8,600 cfs) and August
with the low (200 cfs). Flow for all 12 months averaged 3,600 cfs.

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

Salinity measurements-by Burt and McAllister in the Nehalem River
were made once during each of the following months: September 19S7

109

Nehalem Bay

and January, April, and July 1958 [121. Of thes-e dates, salinity intrusion
was greatest on September 11, 195 7 at HHW when it reach-ed a point 13.8
miles from the ocean at a concentration of 0.1 ppt on the bottom (10 feet)
with a concurrent temperature of 19-.40C. No salinity was detected at
the surface. Salinity at a point 12.9 miles from the ocean was found
at 1.9 ppt on the surface and 3.2 ppt on the bottom (14 feet) with
concurrent temperatures of 19.6*C and 19.70C, respective1r. Measure-
ments beyond 13.8 miles were not reported.

Burt and McAllister have classified Nehalem Bay-as a partly-
mixed system in January and September and as a two@-layered system in
April [131.

Sediments

Littoral drift in the area is to the south during the summer and to
the north during most of the winter; the net drift is to the north.
Material has been-deposited to some degree behind the north jetty and
more extensively behind the south jetty [57]. Sediments ranging from sand
to clay are deposited in the estuary by its rivers and average 116,000
tons annually [851.

Water Quality Information

@The DEQ operates five water surveillance stations at Nehalem Bay
(Table 7) [67,681. Records are available dating back to March 1967 with
16 sampling dates at most of the stations between then and March 1972.
Data from spot water quality checks made from 1948 to 1958 in various
parts of the Nehalem River are also available, as indicated in Table 7
[89,90].

Water temperature records have been kept for at least three points
on the Nehalem River (Table 7) [89,90,1401. Those from the station at
mile 13.5 near Foss (between February 1947 and September 1962) show the
average monthly temperature ranging from 10C (March) to 26'C,(July) [138].

At the present time, there are no sewage treatment plants in the
.estuary area; however, bids for a pumping plant will be let in the spring
of 1973. It is to be located in Nehalem and will initially serve Nehalem
and Manzanita and, eventually, Wheeler, Bayside Garden, and some of
the surrounding territory [104].

110

Nehalem Bay,

Bi@ological Information

Numbers, of adult anadtomous salmonids-spawning in the Nehalem River
are estimated as follows@, fall chinook---4,000, coho-21,840, chum--200,
winter steelhead--11,GOO, and sea@run cutth-roat--8,LOOO f771. Although
salmon are reportedly decreas-ing in number [49], the comparison with
other stream systems in Table B shows these figures to be fairly- high.

Fish commonly taken by anglers at Nehalem Bay include shiner perch,
staghorn sculpin, dungeness crab, starry-flounder, and redtail perch
[381. Due to the low- salinity, the most abundant clams in the estuary
are softshells, found primarily north of the main channel and about 3
miles upstream from the entrance [53,155]. There are some crabs near the
estuary mouth [20,53] and experimental plantings of Pacific oysters have
been made [89].

The estuary is a feeding, resting, and wintering spot for waterfowl
generally found in western Oregon [89], and an area of about I.S sq mi
on the southeast portion of the estuary is a winter range for black-
tailed deer and Roosevelt elk [77].

Physical Alterations

Alterations by the Army Corps of Engineers include two rubb.le-
stone jetties and an entrance channel. The south jetty, constructed
Partially by the Port of Nehalem, was completed in 1915 with a total
length of 4,950 feet.. The northern one is 3,850 feet long and was
finished in 1918. The-channel goes across the ocean bar at the bay
entrance and has a depth of 8 feet. It was also completed in 1918
[126,129] .

Navigation on the Nehalem River is described as being possible to
8.5 miles above Wheeler or 1.0 mile upstream from Mohler (69], which would
be to river mile 7 or 8 [951. The-North Fork Nehalem River has a
navigable length of 5.0 miles [69].

The Division of State Lands has completed its inventory of filled
lands in the Nehalem River; some of the information from it is given in
Table C [69].

The FCO operates the North.Nehalem River Salmon hatchery on th-e North-
Fork Nehalem River 1/4 mile downs-tream from the Highway 53 bridge, or ap-
proximately,at mile 10.4. Between July-1, 1968 and June 3, 1969, salmon
and steelhead released into Oregon waters- (Nehalem River and.Ten Mile
Lakes) from the hatchery totaled 1,347,585 [33,541.

Nehalem Bay

1@ndustrial 'And Commercial

The most .important economtc res@ource-of the Nehalem basin is timber
[891; lumbering is th-e main industry 19G] @ In the area of the estuary
itself, most manufacturers, listed in Table 4, deal in lumber and wood
products. Tourism is also of major economic importance there, and some of

Table 4. Major Manufacturers at Nehalem Bay [71]

Location Name Type of Business Number
Emp I oyed

Nehalem Miami Shingle and shakes and shingles 17
Shake Co.

Newberg and Scovell logging contractors 15

8 manufacturers dealing mainly in lumber and
employing less than 10 wood products (mostly logging)

the land alon- the Nehalem River and its tributaries is used for agriculture,
dairy farming, and cattle raising [69,1041.

Commercial fish landings, generally very limited, totaled less than
1,400 pounds of coho, clams, and groundfish in 1971. A breakdown is given
in Table 5, and these figures are also included in Table D of the introduction

Table 5. Commercial Harvest of Food Fish
Received at Nehalem Bay, 1971 [341.

Species Harvest
(pounds round Fishermen
weight) value

Clams 589
Coho 524 NOT
Ground Fish 262 GIVEN

112

Nehalem Bay

for compari@son with landings received at other ports.. Statistics.- showing
the value of the landings-to fi5heTmen, given here in Tab,le E, were not
included for Nehalem, probably,because they@were too li@mited to be of
significant value 134]. For example, 1970 clam landings -reported by other
sources weigh-ed only 258 pounds with a value to fishermen of $33 149,118].

R&redtibnal

Angling and clamming are popular; annual harvest data for non-game
bay fi.sh and clams- are given in Table 6. Salmon are taken mainly between
the "bar" and Foley Creek (river mile 7.5) by trolling. Chinook enter

Jable 6. Estimated Annual Harvest Data for Sport Fishing
at Nehalem Bay, 1970 J77].
Species area annual harvest ettorf-
fished (total number) (angler- or
digger-days)

Non-game Estuary 12,00 5,000
bay fish

Clams Estuary 27,000 900

the river in August and run until late September. From mid-August to
mid-October coho are present, and following the first Fall rains, there
is usually a nice run of jack salmon (two-year old bucks) [58]. Other
species commonly caught in the bay (as determined by the FCO study
between March and October 1971) include shiner perch, staghorn sculpin,
and dungeness crab by shore angling and dungeness crab and relatively few
starry flounder and redtail perch by boat angling [381.

Nehalem Bay State Park is located on the north side of the estuary.
Attendance during 1970,-which was the first year of record, was 9,403
camper nights.. Of those nights, less than 0.5%, or 47, have been estimated
as being spent on the estuary itself [52,82,831.

113

Nehalem Bay

Table 7. Surveillance stations at Nehalem Bay.

type of name and/or approximate drainage period of references
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)
climatological Classic Lake 1mile north of 1922-1926 [89, 5)0]
Nehalem Bay;
elevation--60 feet

Nehalem; USGS Imile north of 1894*(1967) [90,92,124,1431
#5969 Nehalem Bay

stream gaging Nehalem River Nehalem River;
near Foss; mile 13.5 667 10/39-(1970) [891,90,9812
USGS #3010

DEQ water #1 Nehalem Bay; 1/4 mile 3/67-(3/72) [67,6813
surveillance above Highway'101 bridge (16 measurements)
next to City of Nehalem;
west side of channel

#2 Nehalem Bay; channel, 200 3/67-(3/72)
yards west of Tyee (16 measurements)
Grill at Wheeler

#3 Nehalem Bay; channel, 150 3/67-(3/72)
yards west of (16 measurements)
Paradise Cove

#4 Nehalem Bay; channel, 175 3/67-3/72
yards west of Easton's (16 measurements)
Moorage

#5 Nehalem Bay; channel, 250 3/67-3/72
yards west of cable (15 measurements)
crossing entry to Nehalem
Bay near large yellow house
water quality Nehalem River from 1948-1958 [89,90]
ocean to Nehalem (spot observations)

Nehalem River Nehalem River; mile 9.3 [89,901
water Nehalem River from 1948-1958 [89,90]
temperature ocean to Nehalem (spot observations)
Nehalem River; mile 9.3 8/60-(1971) [89,90]
(monthly)

Nehalem River Nehalem River;
near Foss; mile 13.5 667 2/47-(9/62) [140@
USGS #3010

Precipitation data available in punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.
2Monthly and water-year runoff records have been compiled and are available in punch card
3or printout form through the OSWRB.
Data available in punch card or printout form through the DEQ.
This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.
Period of record is not continuous.

1 1 A

NFSTUCCA BAY

l15

a
r 45,

+582,000
+ + + N -
+

45'IZ'50"
-45'121_'@

PACIFIC
CITY
OREGON
H@d 0 t/dW 3-5 @/w W.@-
Clo-deAt 9,ldg.
T$

30
0
LEGEND
A-W
SEMON CORNERS I-OUF
---- SEMON CORNERS LOCArED FROM OTHER
$041RCC5.
PROJEMD CORNERS
Bbet +
R -------TIDELAN0 BETWEEN ELEVATIONS OF MEAN
LOW WArER AMP MEAN HIGH WArER

+
rdel@ Afgp c.,WId A- 0.9@ SVM Hlgh-y DIR-t -A
CAP KIWAM14 - NESKOWN, 1967.

L-b"t 911d, o"g- - A011h.

rideloWs f@ Ompm SWO ffigh"y Dweart-t oode/
-A 1970, C-wted by field
#@vlvgmp)@, NWO
Ap@l NW, 1972.
J
72,000
+1

-4F7z'ooo
32

Z\@

+
G

4
v

y i
0",
+

45
45
@A-
V,
r 5 S.
SCALE IN, FEET

V
1000 0 1000 zoo,,

+
0 TIDELAND MAP
OF
NESTUCCA BAY

ZZ SWE OF OR,160N
H-d f f 4 1
New .4. 'wte.4
_fl-. f FW/ C,..*. DIVISION OF SrArE LAWS
562,000 FEBRUARY 1973

116

NESTUCCA BAY

General 'Description of 'Estuary _and_*DtainMe Basin

Estuary

Nes-tucca Bay'lies approximately 75 miles south.of the Columbia River
mouth and is the fourth.smallest estuary of those included here (Table A).
There are no towns on the bay, itself, and none in the area are incorporated.
Pacific Citr, with a.1970 population of 400, is the largest. This and
other population centers there are listed in Table 1.

Table I. Population centers at Nestucca Bayl [89,95,111].
name general location river mile approximate 1970
location distance from population
estuary mouth
(mi I es)

Oreton 2 miles south of Nestucca Bay rural
Pacific City, Nestucca River; east side 1.5 3.5 400
Woods Nestucca River; north side 2.4 4.4 95
Cloverdale Nestucca River; south side 7.0 9.0 no pop.
Meda Little Nestucca River; 2.5 (0.5 mile rural
south side to the south
Dolph Little Nestncca River; 10.9 13.9 not.listed
north side
Hebo Three Rivers 0.9 12.7 200

lTidal effects extend approximately to mile 7.0 of the Nestucca River (the Cloverdale
Bridge) and to mile 3.1 of the Little Nestucca River (0.8 mile above the Meda Loop
Bridge).

The estuary is approximately 1,060 acres in size--surface areas
reported by Johnson [55], Marriage [591, and the Division of State Lands
[701 are given in Table 2 which also shows that over 50% of the bay is
tidelands, although at one time it was a much larger estuary [53,70,155].

Major tributaries are the Nestucca River from the north and the Little
Nestucca River from the south. There are two smaller tributaries dis-
charging into the bay from the east, and Upton Slough empties into the
Little Nestucca River just before the latter flow's in the bay.[89]. The
Nestucca and Little Nes.tucca Rivers have their zero miles at their points
of discharge into the bay, or roughly.2 and 3 miles-, respectively, from
the ocean 195,89-chart]. The Nes-tucca River is- 52..9 miles long, drains-
259 sq mi [95], and had an es-timated average annual fresh water yield of.
1,114,900 ac-ft between 1933 and 1958 1891. A major tributary of the
Nestucca River is Three Rivers, which has a length.of 12.7 miles and
discharges into the Nestucca River at mile 9.8. The Little Nestucca River
is 19.5 miles long and drains 59* sq mi 1951.

117

Nestucca Bay

Table- 2. Reported surface areas of Nestucca Bay [55,59 701.
reference surface area measured-at tidelands SuEmerged lands
(acres) acres percent acres percent

[61 1,022 HW
1
[63] 1,149
[117] 1,000 MHT 578 58 422 42
422 MLT

15pecified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal action.

Draihag@ 'Be[sin

The es-tuary has@ a drainage area of about 322 sq mi (es-timated from
[89-chart]) cons-isting of sparsely, s-ettled., rough, montainous, forested
land 149]. It yields- an average of 1,600,000 ac--ft of fresh water per
year [85] and receives average annual precipitation ranging from 85 inches
in the coastal areas to 110 inches in the central watershed [89]. There
is a climatological station on the Nestucca River near mile 7 (Table 7)
for which records are available back to 1940 [89,90,92].

Stream profiles for the Nestucca River system appear on page 221
in the Tillamook Basin section.-

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The bay is described as being fully exposed to waves at the throat.
It has a mean tide range of 5.8 feet with a diurnal range of 7.6 feet [551.

Tidal effects, as reported by the Division of State Lands, extend
to the Cloverdale Bridge (mile 7.0) on the Nestucca River and to 0.8
mile above the Meda Loop Bridge (mile 2.3) on the Little Nestucca River
[69,95].

River Dis.charges

There are stream gaging stations on the Nestucca River at miles
13.5 and 49.3 (Table 7). Between..1964 and 19.70 the average dischaTge
at mile 13.5 was 1,042 cfs with.extremes of 24,GOO cfs ( January 28, 1965)
and 32 cfs (September 14, 1967). At mile 49.3 river flow- between 1960

118

Nestucca Bay

and 1970 averaged 32.6 cfs with extreme& of 876 cfs (December 22, 1964)
and G.87 cfs (July-17, 1968) [14Q.]. Normal flow-at the Mouth of the
Nestucca River is-estimated at 1,546,cfs (85].

Salinity and Classification W Mixing

Giger [391 provides- s-alinities with,depth:and length for high and low
tides during winter (1969) and summer (1969) conditions-, Salinity intrusion
extended to approximately 4-5 miles from the mouth during the-summer period.
During the winter, saline water was located only within approximately the first
two miles from the mouth with very low.salinities accurring during low tide
periods. Tidal variations of salinity appeared significant during both the
winter and summer periods.

Sediments

Littoral drift in the area varies, being mainly to the south during the
summer and to the north during the winter. Net movement, as indicated by the
formation of a spit pointing s-outh, is probably to the south [57].

The rivers deposit about 54,000 tons of sediments (ranging from sands
to clays) into the bay annually, resulting in a definite reduction in the
Size of the estuary [57,85]. Sand dunes at the mouth shift enough to cause
severe flooding of the estuary [69].

Water Quality Information

The DEQ operates six water quality stations in Nestucca Bay. Data is
now available for the 1970 through 1971 period (3 measurements) [68].
Locations are given in Table 7.

There are USGS water temperature stations, also listed in Table 7,
on the Nestucca River at mile 13.5 and on Cedar Creek near Hebo. (Cedar
Creek discharges into Three Rivers near mile 2.) [138,141] Records of
the daily temperature 'range for 1964 to 1968 from the Nestucca River
station show extremes of 3.'C (December 1964) and 24% (May 1967). The
greatest one-day range at this location during the 1968 water year was
4*C. This occurred an several days during July and August with tempera-
tures as low as, 15'C and.as high as 21% [141]. Records from the Cedar
Creek station were kept from 1943 to 1962 and show the average temperature
for each month. January-19S7 had the lowest average temperature WQ
and July@1949 had the highes-t ('17'C) [1381.

There are --;-ome water quality problems from increased domestic sewage
and from siltation from logging runoff [1551.

119

Nestucca Bay

Biolo-gical Information

The Nestucca River provides- spawning grounds- for relativel)r high numbers
of fall chinook and winter and s-umme rIs-teelhead (T able B). Es-timated numbers
of these and other anadromous- salmonids (coho, chum, spring chinook, and
s-ea-run cutthroat) spawning in the Nes,tucca and Little Nestucca Rivers are
given in Table 3 [77].

Table 3. Estimated numbers of adult anadromous salmonids spawning in the Nestucca
and Little Nestucca Rivers [771.
stream chinook coho chum steelhead sea-run
spring fall winter summer cutthroat
Nestucca River 1,800 19,350 17,500 1,000 36,000 5,500 5,000

Little Nestucca 90 1,215 1,080 1,000 1,290 100 800
River

totals 1,890 20,565 18,580 2,000 37,290 5,600 5,800

Due to the low salinity, of Nestucca Bay, the only clams supported there
are softshell varieties. Salmon, cutthroat trout, flounder, perch, staghorn
sculpin', and dungeness crab are taken by sportsmen as- described under
"Estuary Uses" [38,77,89,155].

The bay is fairly important as a wintering area for water fowl rissi.

Physical Alterations

Jetties have not been constructed, and dredging by the Corps of
Engineers has not occurred. Navigation is possible to mile 6.0 of the
Nestucca River and to mile 1.6 of the Little Nestucca River [691.

The Division of State Lands has completed its inventory of filled
lands in the Nestucca River, and'some information from the reportis given
in Table C [69].

The Cedar Creek hatchery, located near Hebo at mile 2 of Three Rivers,
is operated by the OSGC. Three Rivers discharges into the Nestucca
River at mile 9.8, so the hatchery is about 12 miles from the bay. Re-
leases of anadromous fish from the hatcherr durtng 1970 totaled 712,404
and consisted of 49-,604 summer steelhead, 6.02,164 winter steelhead, and
60,636 spring chinook.

12b

Nestucca Bay

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Most of the industry in the basin is connected with processing of
timber or with agricultural products [89]. In the estuary area itself,
manufacturing companies, listed in Table 4, are small and deal mainly in
lumber [711.
Table 4. Major Manufacturers at Nestucca Bay [711.

Location Name Type of Business Number
Employed

Pacific City Kiwanda Fish Co. canned and frozen seafoods 2

Pacific City Boat dories I
works

Cloverdale Anderso,n Log Co. logging 4

Kimber Log and Lumber lumber 2
Co.

Hebo Noble and Bittner plugs and lumber and chips 19
Plug Co.

Wm. H. Balmer fir/spruce/hemlock 7
Logging Co.

There is some farming around the bay and along the Nestucca River where
the main crops are hay and pasture for livestock [89], and commercial
and sport fishing also provide some income [34]. Although there are no
commercial landings from the estuary, those received at Pacific City during
1971 had a value to fishermen of $265,000 and totaled 864,381 pounds,
consisting primarily of coho with some groundfish, chinook, and albacore
tuna. A breakdown is given in Table 5, and a comparison with landings
received at other ports can be made from Tables D and E [34].

Recreational

Salmon and steelhead and cutthroat trout fishing in the Nestucca
and Little Nestucca Rivers is outstanding--some consider the Nestucca
as the best fishing stream of the state [58,69]. June and July provide
good chinook fishing in the tidewater areas of both rivers with the main
fall run beginning around the first of August and lasting through September.
Coho enter the Nestucca River just after mid September and usually continue
until the *beginning of December. Numerous coho and some chinook are
taken by deep sea fishing out of Pacific City from late June to the end
of summer [58]. Species other than salmon and trout most commonly landed
from the bay by sportsmen, as determined in the FCO study between March
and October 1971, include staghorn sculpin and shiner perch by shore

121

Nestucca Bay

angling; dungeness crab and relatively few striped seaperch by boat angling;
and softshell clams and relatively few "shrimp" (ghost and/or mud) by
clamming [38]. Estimated sports catches are shown in Table 6 [77,89].
The bay is also used as a hunting area for waterfowl [15S].

Table 5. Commercial Harvest of Food Fish Received
at Pacific City, 1971 [34].

Species Harvest
(pounds round Fishermen
weiaht) value
Coho 792,773 $2480000
Groundfish 45,030 4,000
Chi nook 18,347 10,000
Albacore Tuna 7,924 3,000
Crabs 142 -
Pinks 17
Miscellaneous(l) 148
Totals 864,381 T2_65,000

ISand shrimp, crawfish, and eel.

Table 6. Estimated Annual Harvest Data for Sport Fishing
at Nestucca Bay, 1970 [77].

Species area arnual harvest effort
fished (total number) (angler- or
--digger-da-S)
Non-game Estuary 3,000 400
bay fish

Clams Estuary 12,000 400

122

Nestucca Bay

Tabl e 7. Surveillance stations at Nestucca Bay.

type of name and/or approximate drainage period of references
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)
climatological Cloverdale 1 NW: Nestucca River; 1940-(1960) [@9,90,92]1
USGS #1682 mile 7; eleva-
tion--20 feet
stream gaging Nesiucca River Nestucca River; 2
near Beaver; mile 13.5 180 10/64-(1970) (98,140]
USGS #3036
Nestucca River Nestucca River; 91.2 10/28-9/44 [0812
below Powder mile 29
Creek near Blaine;
USGS #3035
Nestucca River Nestucca River; 6.18 6/60-(1970) (�8-1401 2
near Fairdale; mile 49.3
USGS #3029

DEQ water #1 Nestucca Bay; 1.5 miles data not yet J67 11
surveillance. upstream from mouth available
although
#2 Nestucca Bay; bay inlet samplings
of Little Nestucca have been
River made

#3 Nestucca Bay; 1.5 miles
below Pacific City
bridge

#4 Nestucca Bay; Pacific
City bridge

#5 Nestucca Bay; Woods City
bridge

#6 Nestucca Bay; 2.5 miles
upstream from Woods
City bridge
water Nestucca River Nestucca River; 180 10/64-(9/68) .@14
temperature near Beaver mile 13.5
Cedar Creek 2/43-(1962) @[13o8]
near Hebo

lPrecipitation data available in punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.
2Monthly and water-year runoff records have been compiled and are available in punch card
or printout form through the OSWRB.
This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.

123

124

NETARTS BAY

125

M I-

NEMRrS

20 OREGON

LEGEND

SECTION COMERS FOUND

SECTION CORNERS LOCATED FROM OTHER S04VRCES

@WOJECTMD CORNERS

----I TIDaAAID BErWEEN ELEVATIONS OF MEAN LOW
WATER AND MEAN HIGH WATER

IPCR@@ MA@ @Z

489S C-11

ORE61OW SUM PLAM COORMNAMS NORM ZONE TWI AND MAP
REMA-VLAR SM/P OF
NETARTS- SAY
SCALE /N FEE7, STATE OF OTGON
VIKSION OF STATE LAIIVS
AA Y 1972

126

NETARTS BAY

Gene'tal Description of 'Estuary 'arid Drainage Basin

Estuary

Netarts Bay is located about 60 miles south of the Columbia River
.mouth. As the sixth largest of the estuaries- included in this report
(Table A), it is of relative medium size. The only threetowns; in the
area (with their 1970 populations) are Netarts,(900), Wilson Beach (30),
and Oceanside (1 '60), none of which are incorporated. Both Netarts and
Wilson Beach lie on the north side of the bay--Netarts at the mouth, and
Wilson Beach about I mile to the east. Oceanside is not actually on
the estuary, but a few miles to the north on the coast [89,1111. An
area of about ISO acres near Whiskey Creek, a tributary from the east
and near the center of the bay, is used as the OSU estuary research area
[15S].

The estuary covers roughly 2,.300 acres. As can be seen from reported
surface areas and tidelands acres presented in Table 1, tidelands are
fairly extensive, comprising from 65% to 90% of the total area [S3,55,59,701,
and its only tributaries are 12 small creeks 1 or 2 miles in length [see 89-
chart]. Hydrographic Survey map No. 8372 by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic
Survey describes the bay in 1957. The meander pattern of channels within
the Bay, however, has changed since 1957 [41]. Contours within the bay
from aerial photographs have been prepared for August 2, 1970 [41].'.The
volume for mean high water appears to have decreased by 10 percent from
1957 to 1969[41].

Table 1. Repoi,ted surface areas of Netarts Bay 155,59,701.
reference surface area measured at tidelands submerged lands
(acres) acres percent acres percent

[6] 2,179 HW 2,160 90

163] 2,406
[117] 2,325 MHT 1,513 65 812 35
812 MLT

iSpecified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal action..

Drainage Basin

The bay drains an area of only 14 square miles [89-chart], which
yields 42,000 ac-ft of fresh water annually-, based on an estimated average
annual.yield for the North Coas,t Basin of,3,000 ac-ft/sq mi. Precipitation
averages between 100 and 110 inches annually [89].

127

Netarts Bay

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

Th.e bay is partially exposed to waves at the throat. The mean tide
range is 5.7 feet with a diurnal range of 7.S feet [55]. Measurements at
the entrance show MHHW at 6.6 feet, MHW at 6.0, feet, KFL at 3.5 feet,
MLLK at 0.,0 feet, and extreme LW'at -3.0 feet [13G-#5902].

Waters leaving the mouth of Netarts Bay during the summer move
primarily south toward Cape Lookout and along the beach littoral zone
(surf zone) [41].

A study of tidal exchanges and mixing within Netarts Bay during the
summer of 1969 is provided by Glanzman, Glenne and Burgess[41].

River Discharge

No records of streamflow rates of any of the Netarts Bay tributaries
were found.

Salinity and Classification by Mixi.ng

Due to the lack of any major tributaries, the estuary is quite high
in salinity. Measurements by Burt and McAllister were taken in the bay
at HHW once during January 1958 and once during July 1958 [12]. The
-sampling made farthest. from the mouth was at 5.5 miles (probably the-
southernmost tip of the bay) on January 5, 1958. At this point, salinity
was still easily detected at a concentration of 13.9 ppt on the surface
with a concurrent temperature of 6.80C.

Burt and McAllister also classified Netarts on the basis of mixing
characteristics and found it to be a well-mixed system during January and
April [13]. Based on summer 1969 measurements, Glanzman, Glenne and
Burgess also consider the bay to,be vertically well mixed [411.

Sediments

Littoral drift varies, but is predominantly northward during the
winter and southward during the summer. As already mentioned, the bay
is fairly stable since it has no major tributaries. In fact, sediments,
transported to it are estimated to average only 2,250 tons annually
[57,85].

128

Netarts Bay

Water 2ualit@ Information

The DEQ operates six water surveillance stations in Netarts Bay
(Table 5) [67,68]. Records are ayailable for about 34 samplings from
each of the stations between May, 1960 and March.1972, but with BOD,
DO, conductivity, and t-urbidity information lacking before 1967. Some
pollution was occurring from septic tank seepage near the town of
Netarts, brut correction of the problem had been planned as of 1970
(publication date) 1155].

Biological@lnfdrmation

Of the 12 Netarts Bay tributaries, the OSGC reports that eight are
used by anadromous fish. Estimates of the actual number of sal-monids
spawning there were not given 177].

The high salinity provides good.conditions for a variety of clams.
Gaper, cockle, butter, and some razor clams are located in the northern
half of the bay toward.the-mouth, and -remnant populations of geoducks
and thinshelled little neck clams are also present. The southern
section is apparently low enough in salinity to support some softshells

Netarts is the only bay of the North Coast Basin where native
oysters can still be found, although as a remnant population only.
Pacific oysters are cultivated in the bay, as described under "Estuary
Uses." Other species (all of recreational or commercial interest)
supported there are salmon, perch, flounder, crab, kelp greenling, and
black rockfish [38,89,ISS].

Waterfowl, including black brant, use the bay as a feeding, resting,
and wintering spot [89,1551, and anarea of about 3 sq mi to the east of
the estuary is considered a big game winter range, mainly for black-
tailed deer and Roosevelt elk [77].

Physical Alterations

Corps of Engineers records show that jetties have not been con-
structed and dredging has not taken place [55].

129

Netarts Bay

Estua Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Little information on industrial-use of the Neta-rts Bay area was
found, except that-nanufa,cturing companies axe lacking completely
[711 and commercial fishing is li-mited., with landings consisting of
Pacific oysters, cultivated on about 300 of the bay?s tideland acres
[53,89,155], and a few crabs@and clams, as shown in Table 2 134,77,118].
Other species such as salmon, trout, sturgeon, shad, bass, shrimp, and
tuna which are received at-many of the other Ports apparently ar@e not
received at Netarts (Tables D and E).

Table 2. Comiiercial Harvest of Clams, Crabs, and Oysters From
Netarts Bay 1[34,77,1181

Species 1-970 1971
pounds fishermen pounds fishermen
landed value landed value

Clams 2,210 $283 1,589
Crabs 14,280 21,761 $5,000
Oysters 122 $119

Recreational

Recreationally, clam digging at Netarts is very popular. Of the
North Coast Basin estuaries, more days are esti-mated as being spent
clamming there than at any other, although the harvest from Tillamook
is about nine times as great. The estuary and its tributaries are also
popular for salmon and steelhead angling [77]. Other species most
commonly taken from the estuary (as determined in the FCO study from
March to October 1971) are kelp greenling, black rockfish, and relatively
few striped seaperch by shore angling; dungeness crab, relatively few
red rock crab, and very few striped seaperch by boat angling; and gaper,
cockle, and butter clams by clamming [38]. Estimated annual harvest data
for non-game bay fish angling and for clamming in the estuary are shown
in Table 3 [77].

130

Netarts Bay

Cape Lookout, a state park bordering the south side of the estuary,
provides facilities for day visitoxs and for campers, Attendance
figures have been dropping since 1967 and are included fox 1966, 1967,
and 1970 in Table 4 182,83,52].

Table 3. Estimated Annual Harvest Data for Sport Fishing,
at Ne.tarts Bay, 1970 [77].

effort
Species area annual harvest (angler- or
fished (total number) dicqer:ja
.Vs)

Non-game Estuary 5,000 1,000
bay fish

Clams Estuary 60,000 20,000

Table 4. Cape Lookout State Park Annual Attendance, 1966, 1967, and 1970

1966 attendance 1967 attendance 1970 attendance
Park Users total total total
park estuary(l) park estuary(l) park estuary(l)

'day visitors 155,388 1,777 222,208 /0,111 85,216 4426
camper nights 107,903 <540 114,551 573 97,096 <485

lActual use of the estuary Portion of the park estimated to be less than 0.5%
of the total attendance f521.

13 1

Netarts Bay

Table 5. DEQ water surveillance stations at Netarts Bay [67,68].

identifying location period of number of
number record measurements

#1 channel, 0.4 m 'ile northwest 5/60-(3/72) 34
of Tillamook County boat
launching site

#2 channel, opposite boat ramp
mouth at pilings

#3 channel, 0.4 mile south of
Wilson Beach

#4 channel, 600 yards southwest
of sample station #3

#5 channel, 300 yards west of
highway junction (Cape
Lookout-Netarts Bay
Highway)

#6 channel, 0.6 mile southwest 33
of sample station #5

Records are not complete before 1967.

132

PISTOL RIVER

133

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STATE P@RK
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134

PISTOL RIVER

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

The Pistol River Estuary lies 274 miles south of the Columbia River
mouth. It ranks as one of the smallest in size in terms of surface area.
Population in the area is largely rural, the small town of Pistol River,
Oregon being north of the river and just east of the Oregon Coast Highway
(U.S. 101) at river mile 1.0. Population figures wer not listed for Pistol
River, Oregon [9,96,111,134].

The HW surface area of the estuary as estimated from 1973 EROS Data
Center aerial photographs is 230 acres [135].

The average annual yield of the Pistol River at its mouth was
360,000 ac-ft for the period of 1930 to 1961. The minimum annual yield
was 210,000 ac-ft. The Pistol River source is at river mile 21.8, elevation
3,200 feet [93,96].

Drainage Basin

The.Pistol River drains a total basin area of 106 sq. miles. The
.average yearly freshwater yield is 360,000 ac-ft which equals an average
ann ual precipitation of 64 inches over the basin [93].
The Pistol River Basin consists primarily of woodlands r92.1%;)@2,998
acres), cropl*and (51.0%; 392 acres), and pasture (6.5%; 4,460 acres
As of January, 1963 the Pistol River has no existing storage ponds or
reservoirs and no studies for potential reservoir sites.

The av,6tage annual precipitation ranges from 80 inches at the mouth
of the Pistol River to 115 inches in the upper reaches.

The closest climatological station is the Gold Beach R.S. station,
10 miles to the north of the Pistol River Estuary, which has recorded
temperature and precipitation data from 1889-1891, 1903-1913, 1915-1918,
and 1927 to the present. (See Table 5) [93,143].
The Pistol River has a length of 21.8 m:\Lles. The elevation drop
from the source to the mouth is 3,20Q feet which produces an average
gradient of 147 feet per mi le [93]'..,,

Pistol River stream profile appears on page 43 in the Chetco River
Basin section.

3 5

PISTOL RIVER

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

According to the U.S. Geological Survey the average range of the
tide is approximately 5 feet [144].

It appears that the mouth of the Pistol River Estuary may migrate
several hundred yards and change its position periodically due to the
sand bar and coastline characteristics at the mouth. During the summer
months the sand bar prevents saline water from entering the estuary
except during periods of extremely high tide.

River Discharges

Streamflow records are available from the USGS stream gaging station
on the Pistol River. The station is discontinued, but spot observations
are avaliable for the years 1935, 1938, and 1949-52. Streamflow averages
and extremes appear in Table 1 [148].

Table 1. Stream Gaging Data [1481.

Stream Location Drainage Complete Flowrate
(sq.mi.) water years (cfs)
of record max. min. mean

Pistol T38S, R14W --- 48.0 8.2 17.4
River Sec. 21

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

Salinity profiles as a function of depth and distance from the mouth
of the river are presented in Table 2. Data was taken on August 23, 1973
during a high tide of +4.5 feet [87].

Sediments

Between Port Orford and Brookings, the area is mountainous and rocky,
with steep cliffs and sand beaches.

According to the National Shoreline S-,,udy by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (Aug., 1971), the shoreline north of the Pistol River Estuary to
Cape Sebastian is experiencing non-critical erosion, while the shoreline
south of the estuary to Crook Point is experiencing no erosion. From Crook
Point to within 5 miles of Brookings the shoreline is experiencing non-
critiaal erosion while the remainder of the shoreline to the Chetco River
Estuary is experiencing critical erosion [125].

The generalized sediment yield for the Pistol River Basin is 0.1 to
0.2 ac-ft per sq. mile per year [23].

136

PISTOL RIVER

Table 2. Salinity Values for
the Pistol River Estuary*
Aug. 23, 1973 [87].

Station Distance Salinity % Depth
from
mouth (ft.)
(mi) top bottom

0.1 0.2 0.2 3

2 0.3 0.2 0.2 8

3 0.4 0.2 0.2 8

4 0.7 0.2 0.2 6

The Pistol River mouth was completely
closed off by.sand bars through which
river flows,.seeped to the ocean. No
saline water entered the estuary except
for extremely high tides.

Water Quality Information

Miscellaneous flow and temperature measurements for the basin were
made by the Oregon State Game Commission. Temperature ranges from
these sources are presented in Table 3 [78].

Table 3. Temperature Extremes for
the Pistol River Drainage Basin t78].

Point of Period of Observed Temperature Extremes
measurement record (FO)
max. min. type of observation

Pistol River 4-9-69 to- 71 49 spot
1.8 mi. above 7-23-69
Crook Creek

Crook Creek 4-9-69 to 54 spot
100 yds. above 7-23-69
mouth.

Deep Creek 4-9-69 to 56 so spot
100 yds. above 7-23-69
mouth

DEQ water quality stations are listed in TabJe 5,

PISTOL RIVER

Biological Infornation

Estimates of the number of adult anadromous salmonids spawning
in the Pistol River system are as follows: spring chinook--O, fall
chinook--500, coho--50, steelhead--1,200, sea-run cutthroat--4,000.

Dace, cottids, red-sided shiners, sticklebacks, lamprey, and
suckers are the known rough fish species in the stream systems of the
South Coast Basin [78].

The most important factor limiting fish production in the South
Coast Basin is summer water supply. The Pistol River contains ex-
tensive porous gravel beds through which summer flows frequently sub-
out, resulting in considerable fish loss. Summer flows which substan-
tially sub-out,.-can. also be excessively warm [78].

The Pistol River system has 6 streams used by adult anadromous
salmonids, 3 of which have minimum flow recommendations established
and I protected by the State Water Resources Board [781.

Table 4 refers to the estimated sport harvest in the Pistol River
system.

Table 4. Estimated Annual Harvest,
Angler Days, and Gross Expenditures for
Angling in the Pistol River System [78].

Fish Harvest Angler Gross
days Expenditures

Salmon* 300 1,200 $22,200

Steelhead 350, 1,400 25,900

Sea-run 475 250 4,625

TOTALS. 2,850 $52,725

Includes jack salmon

Figure 1 is a periodicity chart showing when adult spawning
anadromous fish are presentin the Pistol River system.

A generaI description of big game, upland game, waterfowl, and
furbearers of the basin is given.in the Sixes River section on Biolog-
ical Information.

138

PISTOL RIVER

Figure 1. Periodicity Chart for Adult
Spawning Anadromous Fish in the Pistol River System [781.

Chinook Salmon

Coho Salmon --------------------------

Steelhead and ..........
Cutthroat trout

Stream Oct. @Nov. Dec. .'Jan. Feb. Mar. April may

Pistol River

Crook Creek

Deep Creek

Physical Alterations

The only physical alteration near the estuary is the Oregon Coast
Highway Bridge (U.S. 101) at river mile 1.2 [96].

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Irrigation and gravel removal are the only industrial and commer-
cial uses for the Pistol River. The average annual yield of the Pistol
River is 360,000 ac-ft. The legal annual depletion is 100 ac-ft with
the estimated actual annual consumption being 30 ac-ft. Surface water
rights include 0.18 cfs for domestic and irrigation purposes.

Chromite, nickel, and quicksilver are mined in the watershed [93].

1,59

PISTOL RIVER

Recreation

The principal attraction of the basin is the Pacific Ocean which
is easily accessible from the Oregon Coast Highway (U.S. 101) at the
Pistol River Estuary. A small state park is located south of the estuary
between the highway and the ocean beaches.

Parts 'of the Pistol River flow through the Siskiyou National Forest.
Several streams in the basin have outstanding aesthetic value and make
a significant contribution simply because they maintain attractive flows.,
have little stream-side development, and possess watersheds that have
not been extensively logged. The Pistol River above Deep Creek was
selected by the Oregon State Game Commission as a stream which should
be managed for its aesthetic value [78,93].

Table S. Surveillance Stations near the
Pistol River Estuary

Type of Name and/ or Approximate Drainage Period Reference
station identifying location area of
number (sq.mi.) record

Climatological, Gold Beach R.S. T37S, R14W --- 1889- [93]
(Formerly Sec. 6 1891,
Ellensber ; 1903-
Wedderburn) 1913,
1915-
1918,
1927-
present

Water Quality Pistol River T38S,-'Rl4W --- [152]
4 mi. above Sec. 22
river mile 4.5

Stream Gaging Pistol River T38S, R14W .1935, [148]
above head of Sec. 21 -'-1938, and
tide 10 mi. 1949-
south of Gold 1952
Beach.

140

ROGUE RIVER

141

Otter
PON

ci
13 18 16

24 RD&
OREGON 20 -21

25 WEDDERBURN
----------- --- 29

LEGEND

-D

o' OFFW LOW WA@.

-N L. WE

T. Ell--@
r
31
GOLD BEACH 42' M'00"

-nDELAND MAP

ROGLE RIVER
8
STATE of OREGON
DMSION of STATE LANDS

ROGUE RIVER

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

Rogue River Estuary.lies 264 miles to the south of the mouth of
the Columbia River. Although relatively small in terms of surface area
(Table A), it has an extremely large drainage basin, the central section
of which is within the Siskiyou National Forest. Population in the
vicinity of the estuary is concentrated in the small incorporated town
of Gold Beach just to the south of the mouth. Census figures and
estimated locations of this and the other four towns to river mile 45
are given in Table 1.

Table 1. Population centers at Rogue River Estuary [111,1161.

Name Approximate location Population

Gold Beach Rogue River; mile 0; south side 1,554

WeddeTburn Rogue River; mile 0; north side 250

Agness Rogue River; mile,27; north side 25

Illahe Rogue River; north side rural

Marial Rogue River; mile 43; north side not listed

(1)
'Incorporated..

HW surface area of the estuary, as estimated from-the 1954 USGS
Gold Beach Quad., is 575 acres [55].

Numerous tributaries discharge into the lower reaches of the Rogue
River, the Illinois River being the largest. Monthly runoff records as
of 1966 are available on punch cards from a total of 82 surface water
gaging stations in the Rogue River watershed [98]. The three of these
located nearest the estuary mouth are listed in Table 9. Computed
average annual yield of the Rogue River at its mouth for the period
from 1933 to 1955 was 5,661,000 ac-ft with extremes of nearly 9,000,000
ac-ft and slightly less than 3,000,000 ac-ft [116]. Annual yield of
the Illinois River from 1929 to 1956 averaged 1,986,000 ac-ft with a
high yearly mean of slightly over 1,000,000 ac-ft and a low of about
3,500,000 ac-ft [116].

The Port of Gold Beach is located at P.O. Box 1126, Godd Beach,
Oregon, 97444; telephone number 247-6269 [106]. The Port Commission,
along with the Curry County Planning Commission, is involved with
planning and regulating land use of the estuary zone [81].

143

ROGUE RIVER

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Drainage Basin

The Rogue River drainage basin covers 5,100 sq. mi. in Jackson,
Josephine, Curry, Klamath, Douglas, and Coos Counties of Oregon and
Siskiyou and Del Norte Counties of California. Over 75% of the basin
is timberland, and 9% is used for agriculture. The average annual
growing sea'son at Gold Beach is 280 days. The fresh water yield at
the estuary mouth average S,661,000 ac-ft per year during the period
from 1933 to 1955 as perviously described. Precipitation,in the coastal
section average 120 inches at the highest elevations, 60 inches to the
east, and 90 inches along the coast. the central and eastern portions
receive from,20 to 60 inches per year [1161. there are numerous climato-
logical stations in the area of which at least 43 have records available
on punch cards through the OSWRB. Those situated closest to the estuary
are included in Table 9 [92,143]. Average annual temperatures in the
western watershed ranges from 40OF to 67'F along the coast and from 320F
to 75'F in the mountains. In the central and eastern portions of the
watershed, temperatures average from 17'F to 920F [116].

Rogue River system stream profiles appear on page 154.

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The estuary is described as being moderately exposed to waves at the
throat. The mean tide range is 4.9 feet with a diurnal range of 6.7 feet.
Tidal prism on mean range is 1.59 108 cu. feet [55].

River Discharges

Several USGS stream gaging stations are in operation on the Rogue
River and its tributaries. These are listed in the USGS publication,
"Water Resources Data for Oregon, Part I. Surface Water Records" [1401.
Information concerning two stations located in the lower reaches,of the
Rogue and Illinois Rivers is given in Table 9, and the maximum, minimum,
and mean flow rates recorded at them are given in Table 2. Average
monthly flow at the mouth of the Rogue River during the period from 1933
to 19S5, as determined by extrapolation of data to that point, ranged
from a high flow rate during January of 16,200 cfs to a low flow rate
during September of 1,200. Mean stream flow for the entire period was
7,800 cfs [116].

Salinity and Classification of Mixing

No information.

144

ROGUE RIVER

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Table 2. Recorded flow rates of Rogue and Illinois Riverz, [140].

Stream Point of Drainage Period of Flow rate (cfs)
measurement area record
(rivermile) (sq. mi. maximum minimum mean

Rogue River mile 29.7 3,939 10/60-(1971) 290,0,00 608 6,386
(12/23/64) (7/68)

Illinois River mile 3.0 F;38 10/60-(1971) 225,000 135 4,439
(12/22/64) (10/7/70)

This is not the last year of record.

Sediments

Net littoral drift in the area is from north to south [571.
Analyses of dredge material taken in January 1962, November 1965,
and July and November 1971 are available through the Corps of Engineers.
Results shown that (1) organic contents of the sample ranged from 1.19%
to 1.94%, both samples having been taken during July 1971, (2) void ratios
ranged from 0.297 (November 1965) to 0.838 (July 1971), and (3) the mean
grain size varied from'fine@grav@.@i to fine'sahd-[124].

Water Quality Information

There are presently no DEQ water'surveillance stations on the Rogue
River, but the USGS operates some water quality and numerous water temper-
ature stations in the watershed. Records are available from various
publications by that agency [138,139,141]. Those stations located closest
to the estuary are described in Table.9.

Biological Information

The Rogue River Basin stream systems provide spawning grounds for
numerous adult anadromous salmonids and is used especially heavily by
chinook and steelhead, as indicated in Table B.' A partial breakdown, by
stream system within the basin, is given in Table 3, and a more complete
breakdown in given in "Environmental Investigations, Rogue River
Supplement" [116]. The remainder of the information presented in this
section was taken from a preliminary report to that publication described
in the introduction [81].

145

ROGUE RIVER

Biological Information

Table 3. Estimated numbers of adult anadromous
silmonids spawning in th,@ Rogue River Basin stream systems [1231.

Stream system Chinook Coho Chum Steelhead Sea-run
Cutthroat
Spring Fall Winter Summer
Rogue,River (1) 44,275 41,8SO 2,085 50 20,150 36,950 2,400

Illinois River 0 20,000 1,400 0 30,000 0 2,500

Rogue River
Basin totals 45,500 75,000 5,000 50 7S,500 51,250 S,300

I
Main stem and tributaries other than Lobster Creek, Illinois River,
Applegate River, Bear Creek, Little Butte Creek, Big Butte Creek.

Game fish found in the estuary at least during a part of the
calendar year (in order of abundance) are: summer steelhead; winter
steelhead; fall chinook; spring chinook, sea-run cutthroat, shad, coho,
green sturgeon, white sturgeon, and chum salmon. Non-game fish found in
the estuary are: anchovy, su-rf smelt, herring, red-tail surf perch,
silver surf perch, spot@-fin perch, striped perch, starry flounder, tom
cod, and ling cod.

A common waterfowl found in or near the Rogue River Estuary is the
American merganzer. "Medium" common waterfowl found are: American
widgeon, pintail, red-breasted merganzer, surf scoter, and white-winged
scoters.

Shore and other birds most commonly found in or near Rog-ae River
Estuary are: great blue heron, least sandpiper, western sandpiper,
western gull, herring gull, California gull, belted kingfisher, common
cTow, and double crested cormorant.

Common mammals found in or near Rogue River Estuary are: California
sea lion, stellers sea lion, and black-tailed deer. "Medium" common
mammals found are: harbor seal, river otter, and beavers. Uncommon
mammals found are: mink and muskrats.

Physical Alterations

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers modifications to Rogue River Estuary,
described in Table 4, consist of two jetties, a turning basin, and a
channel from th-e entrance to the turning basin.

ROGUE RIVER

Physical Alterations

Table 4. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Rogue River [126,1291.

Proposed Location Dimensions Date and Status
modification
depth width length
(feet) (feet) (feet)

north jettey entrance 1960-completed
1966-repaired
south jetty entrance 1960-completed
Channel 13 300 from the
ocean to a
point 1/4
mile down-
stream
from the
Highway
101 bridge
turning basin north section 13 Soo 650
of the estuary
1/4 mile down-
stream from
the highway
101 bridge.

Although the Rogue is one of the estuar ies dredged by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers [SO], statistics of such were not found. Waterborne
traffic through the project during 1.969 totaled 106,000 tons of which
over 90% was lumber shipments. Annual use from 1960 to 1969 averaged
67,000 tons. Passenger traffic on the project during 1969 consisted of
113,000 persons, post of whom were on the mail boat to Agness [129].

The OSGC operates the Butte Falls Hatchery located on Butte Creek
near Butte Falls in the eastern section of the drainage basin [56].
According to the OSGC Annual Report, releases from the hatchery totaled
371,490 during 1970 and consisted of 152,762 rainbow trout, 98,885 spring
chinook, and 119,843 summer steelhead [80].

Fishways in the Rogue River system are all operated by the FCO.
Their names and general locations are as follows [28]: Savage Rapids
Dam--Rogue River; Oak St. Div. Dam--Bear Creek; Bear Creek Div. Dam--
Bear Creek; Frilder Dam--Rogue River.

ROGUE RIVER

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

The economy of the entire Rogue River Basin is based on timber,
agriculture, offshore commercial fishing, minerals, and recreation. The
timber industry has been of primary importance since 1940. Before that
time, the major emphasis was on agriculture, and prior to that mining
ranked as the most important activity. Timberlands account for over 7S%
of the basin area, and nearly 95% of those lands are commercial. Only
9% of the basin is used for agricultural purposes. Half of that 9% is
dry pastureland. About 75% of the farms produce cattle or dairy products
[116].

In the lower Rogue River basin, which includes the estuary area, the
economy is based on timber and tourism with the center at Gold Beach and
Wedderburn [1271. Manufacturers in the area, listed in Table 5, all have
addresses in those two towns and are mostly logging camps and logging
contractors [71]. In terms of tourism and recreation, the area is one of
the most popular for sport fishing in the South Coast district with port
facilities and resorts. More descriptions of the angling activities is
given in the following section. Commercial fishing also privides some
income to the area, as shown in Table 6, and is extensive enough to
support a cannery at Wedderburn (Table 5).

Table 5. Major manufacturers at Rogue River Estuary [71].

Location Name Type of business Number
employed

Gold Beach U.S.. Plywood plywood 300

Chipco wood chips; box shook; 60
veneer
Laird Logging contract logging so
Co.
Tamco Co. Veneer; box shook 36

23 manufacturers employing 15 or under;
I are logging camps or logging
contractors;

Wedderburn Rogue River canned fish and seafood 4
Cannery Inc.

148

ROGUE RIVER

EstuarX Uses

Industrial and Commercial

In the case of the Illinois River basin, agriculture is the economy
base. Tourism is important to a lesser degree, and although there is
some logging, it is limited due to the relative inaccessiblity of most
land. Agricultural activities are concerned mainly with raising dairy
and beef cattle and various types of crops [116].

Table 6. Commercial harvest of food fish
received at Gold Beach, 1971 [34].

Species Harvest Fishermen
(pounds round weight) value

Coho 185,414 $58,000

Chinook 45,052 23,000

.Ground fish 5,830

Albacore tuna 953 ---

Crabs 300 ---

Pinks 45

TOTAL 2375594 $81,000

Recreational

The Rogue River, particularly popular for its steelhead fishing, is
also a good salmon stream. The lower reaches of the river provide good
salmon fishing starting in April and continuing through the summer and
fall. Late in September Coho enterand are present until December. In
the upper reaches around Grants Pass, mid-March marks the first good
fishing with the run continuing into June. Chinook and Coho can be
caught offshore from mid-July through September [58]. Estimated annual
ha vest data for sport fishing in the area are given in Table 7.

According to the OSGS study conducted during March and April of 1971,
red-tail perch were most commonly taken by shore anglers [28].

Hunting data, as presented in "Environmental Investigations, Rogue
River Basin Supplement," for big game, upland game, and waterfowl are
given in Table 8 [123]. As indicated in Table 8, a breakdown is given of
upland game and waterfowl harvest in that publication. It also provides
furbearer trapping data, which includes beaver, otter, mink, muskrat,
raccoon, skunk, weasel, gray fox, bobcat, and coyote.

149

ROGUE RIVER

Table 7 Estimated annual harvest data
for Sport Fishing at Rogue River(l) [123].

Species Area fished Annual harvest Effort Gross
(total number) (angler-days) expenditure's

Salmon Estuary 750 2,700 $ 55,500

Rogue River 16,800 47,000 1,243,200

Illinois River ISO 900 11,100

Ocean (Gold 4,750 11,500 351,500
Beach)

Steelhead Rogue River 32,500 95,000 2,405,000

Illinois River 3,500 6,900 259,000

Applegate River 2,000 6,000 148,000

Sea-run 220 Igo 3,515
Cutthroat

Resident 1,312,500 3,150,000
Salmonids

Warm-water S1,000 17,000 102,000
Game fish

Shad 100 15 1,390

Sturgeon 35 100 600

Bay fish 14,220 1,580 9,480

TOTALS 1,438,S25 713,945 $7,740,285

(1) Based on recent annual averages.

ISO

Table 8. Rogue River hunting data, 1970 [123].

Species Hunters Hunter days Harvest Gross
Expenditures

Big Game

deer 12,986 88,560 5,043 1,780,056

elk 599 1,952 56 51,924

Upland Game 1 13,642 64,292 76,4@74 385,752
Waterfow12 1,611 9,061 8,433 72,488

TOTALS 163,865 90,006 2,290,220
IA breakdown of data for upland game (band-tailed pigeon,
mourning dove, quail, grouse, pheasart, and sj-lvcr groiy-
squirrel..) is available [134].

2
A breakdourn. of data for waterfowl (ducks and geese) is
available [134].

151

ROGUE RIVER

Table 9. Surveillance stations at Rogue River Estuary.

Type of Name and/ or Approximate Drainage Period of References
station identifying location area record
number (sq.mi.)

Climatological Gold Beach elevation-- 1890-(1967) [92]
Ranger station; 50 feet
U.S. Weather
Bureau (USWB)
Agness elevation-- 1914--1922 [92] (1)
200 feet
Illahe 1 N; elevation-- (1967) [92](1)
USWB #4133 330 feet
Illahe 2 N; elevation-- 1963-(1967) [92](1)
USWB #4135 .488 feet
Marial 8 NNE; elevation-- 1956--"(1967) [92] (1)
USWB #5217 2,080 feet
(2)
Stream Rogue River Rogue River; 3,939 10/60-(1971) [140]
gaging near Agness; mile 29.7
USGS #3723
Illinois River Il-linois River; 988 10/60-(1971) [140] (2)
near Agness; mile 3.0
USGS #3782

Illinois River Illinois River 665 1957-(1966) [98]
near Selma; mile 32
USGS #3780

Water Rogue River Rogue River; 3,939 10/60-(9/64)@
Quality near Agness; mile 29.7
USGS #3723

Illinois River Illinois River; 10/61-(9/64) [139]
near Selma; mile 32
USGS #3780

(continued)

152

Table 9. (continued)

Type of Name and/ or Approximate Drainage Period of Reference
station identifying location area record
number (sq.mi.)

Water Rogue River Rogue River; 3-10/60 [138]
temperature near Gold Beach mile 11.2

Rogue River Rogue River; 3,939 10/60- (9/70) [138,141]
near Agness; mile 29.7
USGS #3723

Rogue River Rogue River; 10/59-11/60 [138]
at Agness mile 27.5

Illinois River Illinois River; 11/59-10/60 [138]
near Agness mile 2.4

Rog ue River Rogue River; 5-10/60 [138]
at Marial mile 48.5

Illinois River Illinois River; 665 9/61-(9/62)
near Selma; mile 32 (spot
USGS #3780 observations)
(1)
Precipitation data available in punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.
(2) Monthly and water-year runoff records have been compiled and are available in
punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.
@This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.

Period of record is not continuous.

153

ROGUE RIVER PROFILE

L
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

----------

--- ----- --------

----------- -
------------------
X"
E
V -------------------------------- ----- ---- --- - ----------- -----------------

----------- -

u
0
R

FIGURE',?

RIVER MILES ABOVE MOUTH STATE WATER RESOURCES BOARD OF OREGON 1958
FILE NO. 15.213

1S4

SALMON BAY

155

+ "@,ooo

CASCADE
HEAD

71YRE,
0
ROCKS PitA
Ll ry

rCA.
45'

23
24
19

ul 06

26
25 Or's
30
0 29
ROADS END

OREGON ow 0

LEGEND
--- S.-CROIN CORNERS FOUND + + +
_-ECTION CORNERS LOCATED FROM OMB? SMRCES
WELAND MAP + ---pRa1rcrED cogNrRs 1-- -0. -1 SCALE
SAL OF RIVER -RDELAND BEMEEN ELEVATIONS OF MCAN L,OW - -0 -
MON -WATER AND MEAN HIGH WATER USal A- 0.1- 1@w o

STATE OF OREGON P"NE CW@NA@S @DR@
DIV15ION OF STAM LANDS
JULY 1972

SALMON BAY

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

Salmon Bay, the smallest estuary of those included here (Table A),
lies roughly 85 miles south of the mouth of the Columbia River.
Population in the area totals less than 100 and is centered in three
towns, all on the Salmon River. These (with their 1970 populations)
are Three Rocks (30) to the north at mile 0.3, Otis (15) to the south
at mile 4.3, and Rose Lodge (20) to the south at mile 9.3 (88,94,1111.

A nature conservancy area is located on the south side of Cascade
Head and adjoins the estuary to the north [155]. Presently under con-
sideration is the possibility of including Salmon Bay and some of
the surrounding area as part of the Siuslaw National Forest. Reports on
this were prepared by the U.S. Siuslaw National Forest Service prior to
[150] and following[149] a public meeting held for the purpose of,dis-
cussing this matter.

The estuary is about 270 acres in size; reported surface areas
and tideland acres are given in Table 1 [59,70,153]. The tidelands are
particularly extensive between the mouth and mile 2 to both the north and
south and comprise about 60% of the total area [53,88-map no.- 18.-6].

Table 1 . Reported surface areas of Salmon Bay [55,59,701.

reference surface area measured at tidelands submerged, lands
(acres) acres percent acres percent

[55) 171 HW
[59] 438 1 250 57

[70] 204 MHT 126 62 78 38
78 MLT

]Specified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal action.

The estuary is essentially part of the lower reaches of the
Salmon River, as its mouth and the zero river mile are at the same
point. The river measures 25.3 miles to its source and has about
four small tributaries from the north and three from the south to the
head of tidewater at mile 4.3 [88-map no. 18.6].

Watershed

Salmon Bay (River) drains an area of 75 sq mi [94], which yields
an average of 450,000 ac-ft of fresh water annually [70,85,88]. The

157

Salmon Bay

watershed, plus an adjacent coastal area to the north of 3 sq mi, is
comprised of 94% (73 sq mi) forest; 3% (2 sq mi) rangeland; 2% (2 sq mi)
cropland; and 1% (1 sq mi) "other" [88].

Average annual precipitation varies from 90 inches along the coast
to 180 inches on the Coast Range Divide [53,88]. There is a climatological
station at mile 5 of the Salmon River (Table 4) [88,143].

Elevations range from sea level to 2,900 feet [88].

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The bay is described as being partially exposed to waves at the
throatI55], and tidal effects reach mile 4.3 of the Salmon River [69].
The mean tide range is 5.8 feet with a diurnal range of 7.6 feet and
an extreme range of 13.0 feet [86]..

River Discharges

The only stream gaging station on the Salmon River stream system
for which records were found is-located at mile 0.1,of Alder Brook,
a tributary of the Salmon River at mile 10.7 (Table 4) [140]. Records
from 1954 to 1970 show 50 cfs on January 24, 1970 as the maximum flow
rate at this point during those 6 years.

Estimates (based on precipitation, runoff, and some spot obser-
vations) of the average discharge, by month, of the Salmon River "near
tidewater" have been made for,1937 to 1963 [88]. February had the high
estimated monthly discharge at 1,169 cfs and August the low at 14 cfs.
Mean discharge was 538 cfs. The mean minimum flow at tidewater has been
estimated as 18 cfs and observed as 21.7 cfs.

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

No information.

Sediments

Littoral drift varies [571. Sediments deposited in the estuary by
fresh-water drainage are estimated to average 14,000 tons annually [85].

1 The river mile location was not given.

158

Salmon Bay

Water Quality Information

The DEQ has taken water samples at Salmon Bay. Data is now available
for the 1972 year (2 measurements) (Table 4) [67,68].

Biological Information

Estimated numbers of adult anadromous salmonids spawning in the
Salmon River system are spring chinook--180; fall chinook--2,000;
coho--5,700; summer steelhead--250; winter steelhead--4,200; and sea-
run cutthroat--3,800 [75]. Figures for all species mentioned here are
low in comparison with those for other stream systems (Table B) .

Salmon, flounder, perch, sea-run cutthroat, limpets, stagho-rn
sculpin, dungeness crab, and ghost and mud shrimp are commonly caught
by anglers, as described under "Estuary Uses." The estuary is essentially
fresh water and it supports a small qunatity of soft shell clams [53].

Waterfowl and about 100 species of other birds can be found on or
near the estuary [150,155], and the surrounding area is a winter range
for black-tailed deer,,Roosevelt elk, and cougar, with black-tailed
deer being the-most abundant. Roosevelt elk are being transplanted into
the Mid-Coast Basin by the OSGC and are increasing in number [751.

Physical Alterations

Jetties have not been constructed ! nor has dredging-by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers occurred, but in 1948 the Corps did remove rocks
just downstream from Three Rocks located near the mouth [129].
Navigable length of the Salmon River is 3.0 miles [69].

An inventory of filled lands in the Salmon River has been completed
by the Division of State Lands and some of the information from that
report is presented in Table C [69].

In June 1963 the Trout Creek Fishway was completed under the FCO
"Coastal 60-40 Program" [1191. It is located on Trout Creek, near mile
1.25, or roughly 11 miles from the estuary mouth. (trout Creek flows
into Slick Rock Creek,about 1 mile from the mouth of the latter, and
Slick Rock Creek discharges into Salmon River at mile 8.8 [94].)

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Forestry, agriculture, fishing, recreation and summer homes are of
primary economic importance to the Salmon River area [88]. Commercial

159

Salmon Ray,

fish landings from the ocean or estuary'apparently either are not received
at Salmon Bay or are not considered extensive enough to report (Tables D
and Q. The only manufacturers there listed in Table 2, are three small
logging operations in Otis and Rose Lodge [71).
Table 2. Major Manufacturers. at Salmon Bay .[71].

Location Name Type of Business Number
Employed

Otis Jurhs Logging Co. logging 7

Ted E. Bray Co. logging 1

Rose Lodge Holliday Hauling logging 15
Co. Inc.

Recreational

Species other than salmon and trout most commonly taken by sports
fishing, as determined in the FCO study from March to October 1971
are as follows: shore angling--limpets, staghorn sculpin, and starry
flounder; boat angling--dungeness crab and starry flounder; and clamming--
ghost and/or mud shrimp [381. Estimated annual harvest data for angling
in the area (ocean, estuary, and streams) are shown in Table-3 [751.

Table 3. Est ted Annual Harvest Data For Sport Fishing at Salmon
BayM (75].

Species area annual harvest effort gross
fished (total number) (angler-days) expenditures

Salmon Estuary 550 2,200 $ 40,700
Salmon River 310 1,240 22,940
Ocean 390 520 28,860

Sea-run 560
Estuary SJ 2,800 51,800
cutthroat Salmon River 10

Steelhead Salmon River 2,240 8,960 165,760

Non-salmonid Estuary 1,800 600 3,600
bay fish

lAverage of data from past years.

160

Salmon Bay

Table 4. Surveillance stations at Salmon Bay.

Type of Name and/ or Approximate Drainage Period of References
station identifying location area record
number

Climatological Otis 2 NE Salmon River; ISO 1948-(1963) (88,143]
mile 5

Stream gaging Alder Brook near Alder Brook, mile 1.09 19S4-(1970) [140]
Rose Lodge; 0.1; 10.8 miles
USGS #8037 from the estuary
mouth

Crest stage 1954-(1963) [88]

DEQ water #1. 1/2 mile 450 os' 481, N [67,68]
surveillance below public 1240 001 001, W
boat ramp

11 #2. 1/4 mile 45o 021 29" N
below public 123* 591 4811 W
boat ramp

#3., oppisite 450 02' 22" N
public boat ramp 1230 591 14" W

#4. 1/4 mile 45' 021 18" N
above public 123o 591 0511 W
boat ramp

#S. 1/2 mile 45' Oll 54" N
above public 123o 591 051, W
boat ramp.

#6. 3/4 mile 450 011 49" N
above public 123' 581 35't W
boat.ramp

#7. Hwy 101 45' 011 34" N
Bridge 123' 58, 051, W

)This is the most recent record date found and it not necessarily the last.

162

I SAND LAKE

163

615,000

19 20

u S.F S.
S...
CAMP Al P
r3s.
30 29

WHALEN

ISLAND

605,000
2 ftzlll*
So
OREGON

LEGEND

SECTION CORNERS LOCATED FROM CONTROL MAPS

-PRaIECTED CORNERS

-TIDELAND BE7*25EN ELEVATIONS OF MEAN LOW
WATER AND MEAN HIGH WATER
Soo. 00`0 +

SCALE IN FEET

000 0 IODO 2000 300V .000 TIDELAND MAP
OF
@ELAND MAP COMPILED ON A @EL RADIAL PLANAMETRIC SAND LAKE
T."A DEL MAR PLOrIEN FROM WAY 1970 AERIAL rOGRAPHS. 'FIELD
PHOTO WENTIFICANON M&RUANY 1972.
SrATF OF OREGON
C MOL FROM OREGON SrATE BOARD OF FORESTRY AND DIVISION OF ST47F LANDS
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE FOREST COVER NAM 1963-1956,
MAY 1972
OREGON STATE PLANE COORDINATES, NORTV ZONE

RECTANGULAR BRAD

164

SAND LAKE

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

Sand lake, located about 70 miles-south of the mouth of the Columbia
River, is the second smallest estuary of those included here (Table A).
The area is sparsely populated with no towns on the bay itself. Sandlake,
described as rural, is located 1 mile northeast of the estuary, and Tierra
del Mar with a 1970 population of 40 lies on the coast, about 1 mile
south of the estuary mouth [111,89-chart].

Surface area of the estuary is about 550 acres, of which-75% is
tidelands (Table 1) .

Table 1. Reported surface areas of Sand Lake

reference surface area measured at tidelands submerged lands
(acres) acres percent acres percent

[2] 700 not specified

E61 429 HW
[117] 528 MHT 397 75 131 25
131 MLT

Major tributaries are Sand and Jewel Creeks, which flow into the
bay from the north. Gurtis Creek from the,east and Reneke Creek from
the south are its only-other tributaries. None of these streams appear
to be longer than 4 or 5 miles [53,89-chart].

Drainage Basin

Sand Lake and its tributaries drain an area of about 17 sq mi
[89"chart]. An estimate of the average annual wate-r yield of the North
Coast Basin is 3,000 ac-ft/sq mi [89]. Using this figure, the
watershed yields 51,000 ac-ft of fresh water annually, an amount
somewhat less than the 60,000 ac-ft reported by the Division of
State Lands [70].

Yearly precipitation ranges from 95 inches along the coast to
110 inches in the northern watershed [89].

165

Sand Lake

Hydraulic Description of_Estuary

Tides and Currents

The bay is described as being fully exposed to waves at the
throat. The mean tide range is 5.7 feet with a diurnal range of
7.5 feet [55). The channel network in the estuary as observed
through aerial photographs is complex [53].

River Discharges

No records from stream gaging stations in this area were found.

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

Salinity is high in concentration [155].

Sediments

Littoral drift varies but tends to be to the south during the
summer and to,the north during the winter with the net drift being
to the south, as indicated by the accumulation of driftwood and sand
at the southern third of Sand Lake Beach [57]. An estimated 2,500 tons
of sediments are deposited in the estuary by its tributaries annually
[851.

water Quality Information

The DEQ apparently operates no surveillance stations here, and
records from other water quality stations were not found.

Biological Information

Of all the streams of the Sand Lake stream system (about 12),
seven are reportedly used by anadromous fish, but no estimates of the
number of fish using the streams were given [77]. The bay supports
bent nose clams (unimportant for food) and ghost shrimp, and it provides
excellent fishing for flounder, crabs, and staghorn sculpin [38,155].

Ducks and geese use it as a feeding, resting, and wintering spot
[69,89,lSS].

166

Sand Lake

Physical Alterations

Jetties have not been constructed, and records show that dredging
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not been performed [55]. Also,
as reported in the Division of State Lands inventory of filled lands in
Sand Lake, there are no landfills, but three dike-type structures have
been built [69]. One is part of the county road leading to Tillamook
Park on Whalen Island, another is on the northern shore of the estuary
and reportedly is intended for flood control, and the third, located on
the southern shore and called "Beltz Dike," is believed to have been built
to help extend the limits of grazing lands there. Some further description
is given in Table C, and more details can be gotten from the inventory
report.

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

There are no manufacturers or industries at Sand Lake [71,155], nor is
there commercial fishing [69]. Agricultural lands in the vicinity are
cultivated for the production of hay and pasture, both of which are
used for the support of livestock [89],

Recreational

Recreational fishing (for species other than salmon and trout) at
Sand Lake, according to statistics from the FCO study, is best for
shore anglers [38]. During the period from March to October 1971, they
caught mostly staghorn sculpin, starry flounder, and shore crabs. Clammers
took mainly ghost shrimp and relatively few mud shrimp, and boat anglers
landed a limited number of starry flounder and dungeness crab.

There are two public camp grounds in the area, and they are both used
heavily during the spring and summer. One is the USFS Sand Lake Camp
on the northern spit, and the other is Tillamook County Park, on Whalen
Island located in the northeast corner of the bay. The latter provides
a boat r,amp [69,150,1551.

167

SILETZ BAY

169

27 re 25

OREGON

OSID

79BE

CUMER
Ctrr

Q@
SIF

140

4w.
+4-1-

KEW"x f E

LE5EAV

C@AS LOC47ED FROW O@R SGLRCES
+ AWJEC7FD COAMRS
TIDE4AAV &ErkWEN EIEW770YV5 @ MEAN
LOW WA7FR AAV WAN M6H WAMR

rIVELAND MAP
A-
OF
=701 0-
SILEU BAY SCALE (FT)

S7'ATE OF OREGON
DIVI-IMN OF S7A7F LANDS

@170

SILETZ BAY

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estu@ry

Siletz Bay lies roughly 95 miles south of the Columbia River mouth. As
the ninth largest of the estuaries included here (Table A), it is relatively
small in size.

In 1964, the only towns on the bay (Taft and Cutler City) were consoli-
dated with several others in the coastal zone to the north to form the in-
corporated city of Lincoln City. These and other population centers in the
area are listed in Table 1.
Table 1. Population centers at Siletz Bayl [88,95,1111.

name general location river mile approximate 1970
location distance from population
estuary mouth
(miles)
LincSln Ci ty2,3 coast; north of estuary 4,198
Taft Siletz Bay; north side 0 557 (1960)
Cutler City3 Siletz Bay; northeast side 1
Kernville Siletz River; north side 0.5 2*5 50
Reed Creek Siletz River; north side 22.0 24.0 not listed
The Mles Siletz River 26.2 28.2, not listed
Siletz Siletz River 35.3 to 41.3 37.3 to 43.3 596
Gleneden Beach Sijota C.re,,e,k-; westside 1 4 500

Tidal effects extend approximately to mile of the Siletz River.
21ncorporated
3Taft and Cutler City were consolidated with several other towns in 1964 to form
Lincol"n City.

Surface area of the estuary is about 1,160 acres (Table 2). Cross-
sectional areas at MTL at various distances from the mouth are shown in
Table 3 [431.

Table 2. Reported surface areas of Siletz Bay [55,51-1,701.

reference s urface area measured at tidelands submerged lands
(acres) acres percent acres percent

[851 1,086 HW
[59] 1,203 1

[71] 1,187 MHT 775 65 412 35
412 MLT

iSpecified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal action.

171

Siletz Bay

table 3. Cross-sectional areas of Siletz Bay [43].

points of measurement distance from mouth cross-sectional area
(miles)l (sq ft)

Taft 0.19 3,400
Kernville 2.5 5,4.00
Howard's 10.8 2,200
Strome 18.0 1,100

1 Mile values were obtained by conversion from distance s.reported
in feet.

The major tributary of Siletz Bay is the Siletz River. Its point of
discharge into the bay (about 2 miles from the mouth) is considered its
zero mile t94,88-map #15.61. Length to its source (the confluence of the
North Fork Siletz River and Boulder Creek) measures 72.1 miles [9S]. It
drains an area of 308 sq mi [94] and yields an average of'1,400,000 ac-ft
of fresh water annually [88]. Other tributaries discharging directly into
the bay are Schooner Creek from the north and about 1 mile from the mouth,
Drift Creek from the east and about 1.5 miles from the mouth, and a smaller
stream from the south [88-map #18.6]. Schooner Creek drains 15 sq mi and
has an average annual fresh water yield of 80,000 ac-ft [881. Drift
Creek has a length of 21.3 miles; drains 41 sq mi [94]; and yi.elds an
average of 190,000 ac-ft of fresh water annually [881.

The Siletz Bay Regional Planning Advisory Committee has monthly meetings
-at which various types of information about the area have been presented
[114]. An attempt has been made to summarize some of that material here.

Drainage Basin

Siletz Bay has a drainage area of 373 sq mi [88-map #18.6] which yields
an estimated 1,780,000 [117] to 1,800,000 [85] ac-ft of fresh water annually.

Figures given for that portion of the watershed drained by the Siletz
River (308 sq mi or 82%) show it to be composed of 94% (289 sq mi) forests;
3% (9 sq mi) cropland; 1% (4 sq mi) rangeland; and 2% (6 sq mi) "other."
Precipitation in the watershed averages from 70 inches along the coast
.to over 180 inches in the headwaters of the Siletz,River [88].

Elevations of the Siletz River portion of the watershed range from sea
level to 2,850 feet along the Coast Range divide [88].

172

Siletz Bay

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The bay is described as being fully exposed to waves at the throat [55].
Head of high tide for the Siletz River is 24.2 miles (128,000 feet) from
the estuary mouth where the drainage area is 268 sq mi.[43]. The mean tide
range is 5.0 feet [55@. Tidal prism on mean range (tidal prism between MLLW
and MHHW) is 3.5 x 10 cu ft [431. Goodwin has found a marked choking of
the tidal range taking place through the entrance of the estuary (probably
due to channel constrictions) and also found a phase difference of 90
to 1QO degre.es- between tidal elevations and tidal currents [431. A calibrated
numerical tidal hydraulic model of the Siletz has been provided.by Goodwin [42].

As a result of the geometry of the entrance, the maximum flood and
ebb currents occur at different locations within the estuary. In its
first mile (the area between Taft and Cutler City) the flood currents
occur along the east side of the bay, while the ebb currents occur along
the west side near a sand spit located there [531. Seasonal (1973) measurements
of salinity, temperature, tubidity, pH and dissolved oxygen have been taken
for high and low tides with depth and length within the estuary [112].

River Discharges

A stream gaging station located on the Siletz River at mile 42.6
(near the town of Siletz) has been in operation periodically since October
1905 (Table 6). The average-recorded discharge for the time up to-1970
was 1,573 cfs with a maximum of 34,600 cfs (November 22, 1909) and a
minimum of 48 cfs (September and October 1965 and October 1967) [140].
The normal river flow at the mouth of the Siletz River is estimated at
1,930 cfs [85].

Drift Creek has a computed minimum flow of 22 cfs [88].

Saligi@ty and Classification by Mixing

Burt and McAllister took salinity measurements in the Siletz River
once during each of the following months: October 1957, January, April,
and July 1958 [12]. Salinity intrusion was greatest on July 25, 1958
at LHW when it reached a point 12.7 mi from the ocean. It was detected
at a concentration of 0;A ppt at the surface and on the bottom (7 feet)
with concurrent temperatures of 21.3' C at both points. Measurements
beyond this were not reported.

The estuary, as c1lassified by Burt and McAllister on the basis of
salinity change from top to bottom, was found to be a two-layered system
in January and April and a partly-mixed system in October [131.
Currents and tidal; ranges have been measured (1973) to determine
the times of maximum ebb and flow [1121.

173

Siletz Bay.

Sediments

Littoral drift in the area varies, but it is believed to be to the
north [571. A problem within the estuary has arisen from the large volume
of fresh water inflow as it carries an estimated 74,000 tons [85] of
sediments to the estuary annually, resulting in a gradual filling [53].
There are delta deposits near the mouth of Drift Creek [53], and a spit
with dunes has formed at the mouth of the Siletz River [571. Four sand
bars have formed northeast of Cutler City, as a result of the flow pattern
of the ebb and tidal currents as previously described [53].

Analysis of sediments for grain size, porosity and volitile solids
along the length.of the estuary have been determined for summer and winter
(19 73) condi tions [1121.

Of recent concern is the erosion of Salishan Spit located just south
of the estuary mouth.

Water Quality Information

There are six DEQ water surveillance stations in Siletz Bay (Table 6)
with records from four sampling dates between July 1969 and April 1972
available from most of them [67,68]. The USGS operates water quality
stations on the Siletz River--one at mile 34 and another at mile 42.6 where
it also has a water temperature station (Table 6) [88,138].

The greatest water quality problem reportedly results from siltation
in the streams and in the bay. Effluent and other pollutants discharged
into the waters are also of concern 1114-8/2/72, J. Fortune].

Biological Information

The Siletz River system provides spawning grounds for more spring
chinook and summer steelhead than any other stream system of the Mid-Coast
Basin (Table B) [75]. Estimated numbers of these and other salmonids
spawning in the river system are as follows [751: spring chinook--775,
fall chinook--14,200, coho--26,900, summer steelhead--4,900, winter
steelhead--11,500, and sea-run cutthroat--32,000. These all provide good
sport fishing. Other species commonly caught include staghorn sculpin,
shiner perch, dungeness crab, starry flounder, and ghost shrimp [38,ISS].

Some softshell clams can be found along the east side of the estuary
between Cutler City and Kernville [155], but most clambeds 'have been silted
in. There is an experimental plant of Manila Littlenecks 1114-7/5/72
D. Snow].

174

Siletz Bay

The estuary is used during migration and wintering by waterfowl [155]
with the Millport Slough area (to the southeast of the bay) being used
particularly heavily by various species of ducks and occasionally by Canadian
Geese, Ruffled grouse are among the game birds found in the estuary area,
and blue grouse and mountain quail are found at middle and high altitudes
of the watershed. Band-tailed pigeons are quite common, particularly in
the vicinities of Millport Slough and the mouth of Drift Creek which they
use for watering. The Drift Creek and Schooner Creek areas provide
nesting and feed for bald eagles [114-8/2/72; G. Hatten].

The area around the estuary is a winter range for big game such as
black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, black bear and cougar. Of these,
black-tailed deer are the most abundant and can be found at a concentration
of 1.8 deer/sq mi in the upper areas. Elk are being transplanted to the
Mid-Coast Basin (34 to the Drift Creek area) by the OSGC and are increasing
in number, [75,114 -8/2/72 G. Hatten).

Beaver, muscrat, nutria,.and raccoon are examples of some of the many
fur-bearing animals in the area. Beaver are generally trapped at a rate
of 30-40/year [114-8/2/72, G. Hatten],

Physical Alterations

Jetties have not been constructed, but a survey was authorized by
Congress in 1964 to consider the.possibility of constructing a small-boat
basin and jetties near Taft. As of 1971, (publication date), work on. the
report was in progress [129]. The jetties, in addition to protecting the
entrance to the ocean, would probably increase the flushing action of the
river and thereby inhibit the silting-in of the bay. Opening up Millport
Slough is also expected to result in a decrease of the filling of the bay
and this too is apparently being considered [114-7/2/72, D. Snow].

The FCO operates the Siletz River Salmon Hatchery on the North Fork
Rock Creek. It lies 4 or 5 miles east of the town of Logsden, or about
S3 miles from the mouth of the Siletz River. Releases (into Rock Creek)
between July 1, 1968 and June 3, 1969 consisted of 377,402 coho 133,54,881.

Dams have been constructed at mile 4.3 of the South Fork Siletz River
(Valsetz Dam) and at mile 9.7 of Drift Creek f941.

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Of economic importance to the watershed are forestry, agriculture,
rock and gravel mining, tourism, recreation, and summer homes [881.
Since Siletz Bay is located within the "20 miracle miles" of Oregon's
coast where vacationing is popular, tourism, summer homes, and recreation

175

@Siletz Bay

are of particular importance to the population there. Kernville, Cutler City,
and Taft are the resort areas on the estuary [88]. Most of the manufacturers
there, listed in Table 4, have Lincoln City addresses and deal in lumber
and wood products.
Table 4 Major Manufacturers at Siletz Ba)

Location Name Type of Business Number
Employed

Lincoln City L. Jepson and Sons contract logging' 50
Oceanlake Ready-Mix concrete and crush rock 25
Co.

Fallon Logging Co. fir/alder/hemlock pulp 22

10 manufacturers dealing mainly in lumber and wood-
employing less than products (mostly logging)
15

Gleneden Gleneden Brick and concrete pipe and building blocks 5
Beach Tile Work and bricks

Farmlands, recently used mainly for stable farming/ranching/dairying
activites are now being purchased for recreational development. The farms
which are increasing in number are those such as nurseries and tree and
berry farms dealing in more specialized products and having higher incomes.
Those which have lower incomes are rapidly decreasing in number. For example,
the number of county farms grossing less than $5,000 dropped 50% from 1964
to 1969, while those grossing over $9,999 nearly doubled during the same time
period [114-7/5/72, J. Gurton].

Commercial fishing and clamming formerly provided some income to the
area. Now, however, most clam beds have been silted in and commercial fishing
is extremely limited, with the commercial salmon fleet once supported there no
longer existing [75, 114-7/5/72, D. Snow]. In fact, statistics of commercial
landings of salmon and other species received at various bays during 1971
(Tables D and E) show sand shrimp, crawfish, and eel as the only ones received
at Siletz with a total catch for the year of 176 pounds at essentially
no value to fishermen [34]. Also, of the various species such as clams,
crabs, oysters, bait shrimp, and shad harvested directly from estuaries
of the Mid-Coast Basin, bait shirmp was the only one taken at Siletz
Bay. Such landings have averaged 700 pounds over the past years with
a retail value to fishermen of $920 [751.

Recreational

While commercial fishing at Siletz Bay is limited, sport angling is.quite
popular. It has good potential, but problems apparently arise from limited

176

Siletz Bay

angler access and low summer flow rates [88, 114-8/2/72, J. Fortune].
Nevertheless, anglers are relatively successful, as indicated by the annual
harvest data shown in Table 5 [75]. The bay and its major tributaries
(the Siletz River, Drift Creek, and Schooner Creek) all Provide good salmon
Table 5. Estj*mjted Annual Harvest Data For Sport Fishing at Siletz
Ba) [75).

Species area annual harvest effort gross
fished (total number) (angler-days) expenditures

Salmon Estuary 4,400 17,600 $325,600
Siletz River 11550 6,200 114,700
Ocean 40 50 2,960

Sea-run Estuary 3,440
cutthroat Streams 1,475) 16,000 296,000
Steelhead Siletz River 7,155 28,620 529,470

Non-salmonid Estuary -24,000 8,000 48,000
bay fish

lAverage of data from past years.

and trout angling r88,155].. Sea-run cutthroat can generally be caught from
L
July to late fall with the big chinoolc entering the estuary in August and.
providing their best fishing in September. Late in September the coho enter,
and peak in October and November[58]. Species other than salmon and trout
which are most frequently caught in the estuary, as determined in the FCO
study from March to October 1971, include staghorn sculpin, shiner perch, and
dungeness crab by shore angling; dungeness crab, starry flounder, and relatively
few staghorn sculpin by boat angling; and ghost shrimp and some mud shrimp
by clamming [381.

There are two Siuslaw National Forest camps in the watershed--one on
Schooner Creek and the other on North Creek. The one on Schooner Creek is
located at a point about 7 miles from thebay where the creek is formed by
North Fork and South Fork. North Creek's campsite is near its mouth,
which is at mile 10.2 of Drift Creek [114-7/5/72, W. Jones, 83, 261.

Boat landings on the Siletz River number about nine between the mouth
and mile 16.5 188,941.

Hunter days in the Siletz Bay area are estimated at 530 annually
[114-8/2/72, G. Hatten].

177

Siletz Bay

Table 6. Surveillance stations at Siletz Bay.

type of name and/or approkimate drainage period of references
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)

stream gaging Euchre Creek near Euchre Creek; mile 13.4 1924 (88)-
Siletz; USGS 1; 29 miles from
#3060 the estuary mouth
Si.letz River at Siletz River; mile .202 1905*(1970) [88,t-9811
Siletz; USGS 42.6
#3055

_71
DEQ water #1 adjacent to dock at Taft 7/69-(4/72) '[67,681
surveillance (4 measurements)
#2 opposite Cutler City - it

#3 1.5 miles downstream from to No
Highway 101 bridge at
Kernville

#4 Highway 101 bridge at
Kernville

#5 Siletz River opposite sun-
set Landing (4 miles above
Highway 101 bridge)

#6 Siletz River 2.5 miles above 8/70-(4/72)
Sunset Landing

water quality Siletz River Siletz River; mile 34 1960-(1963) .[@61
3 miles north (spot
of Siletz observations)

Siletz River at Siletz River; 202 1911-1912 .[261
Siletz; USGS mile 42.6 1915
#3055 (daily spot
observations)
water 1947-(1962) [88,138]
temperature (spot
observations)

Monthly and water-year runoff records have been compiled and are available i n punch card
or printout form through the OSWRB.
2Data available in punch card or printout form through the DEQ.
0 This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.
Period of record is not continuous.

178

SIUSLAW BAY

179

4- 14

zi
04 19 20 22

00
C)

30 OREGON

sluow

34
is
+ DA

MaAND MAP
D, I'VE
SAISLAW RIPER

SrA7r OF OREGON
DIVISION OF SUIT LANDS

SIUSLAW BAY

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

Siuslaw Bay is located about 160 miles south of the mouth of the Columbia
River. Of the estuaries included here, it ranks eighth in size (Table A).
Populated areas, shown in Table 1, lie primarily on the north side of the
Siuslaw River.

Table 1. Population centers at Siuslaw Bay' [94,1111.
name general location river mile approximate 1970
location distance from population
estuary mouth
(mi 1 es)
Florence2 Siuslaw River; north side 3.5 to 5.4 3.5 to 5.4 2,246
Glenada Siuslaw River; south side 4.7 4.7 200
Cushman Siuslaw River; north side 8.2 8.2 no pop
Wendson Siuslaw*River; north side 9.g 9.9 no pop
Beck (Tiernan) Siuslaw River; north side 14.7 130
Point Terrace Siuslaw River; 0.5 mile to 16.2 16.2 not listed
the south
Mapleton Siuslaw River; north side 20.5 20.5 900
Firo Siuslaw River 23.9 23.9 not listed
Brickerville Siuslaw River; north side 24.2 24.2 140
Tide Siuslaw River; north side 26.5 26.5 75
Siuslaw Siuslaw River; north side 27;8 27.8 no pop
Swisshome Siuslaw River; north side 28.9 28.9 40&
Minerva North Fork.Siuslaw River; rural
east side 16.7 23.0

lTidal effects@extend approximately to mile 25 of the Siuslaw River and to mile 6.9
of the North Fork Siuslaw Riveri
21ncorporated

The estuary covers about 1,780 acres. Surface areas reported by Johsnon
[SS], Marriage [591, and the Division of State Lands [70], presented in
Table 2, vary from 1,458 acres to 2,24S acres. Tidelands (also given in
Table 2) are extensive upstream from Florence and nearly nonexistent in
the lower section of the estuary [53]. Other dimensions (distance from throat
to farthest estuary shore, throat measurement; and average lagoon depth
below MSQ are listed in Table 3.

Siuslaw Bay is narrow and crooked. It consists primarily of the lower
reaches of the Siuslaw River, which has its zero river mile at the mouth of
the estuary [94]. The river drains 773 sq mi. It has a length of @2y.4
miles to its source (the confluence of the North Fork Siuslaw River and

I There are two North Fork Siuslaw Rivers.

181

Siusialk Bay

Table 2. Reported surface areas of Siuslaw Bay [SS,59,70i.
reference surface area measured at tidelands submerged lands
(acres). acres percent acres percent
[551 1,458 HW
1,218 MSL
978 LW
[591 1,589 1 597 38
[701 2,245 MHT 756 34 1,489 66
1,489 MLT

ISpecified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal action.

Tabl e 3. Dimensions of Siuslaw Bay [ss].

distance from throat to
farthest estuary shore--6.9 miles

inlet diemensions at throat (at MSQ:
width--745 feet
average depth--23 feet
cross-sectional area--8,330 sq ft

average lagoon depth below MSL--7 feet

the South Fork Siuslaw River) and a total length (to the source of the
South Fork Siuslaw River) of 117.9 miles. Between its mouth and the
head of tidew ?1@ r at mile 25, its major tributary is the North Fork
Siuslaw River at mile 6.3. This North Fork Siuslaw River has a length
of 25.8 miles and drains 65 sq mi. Minor tributaries of the Siuslaw to
tidewater at mile 25 include approximately 28 from the north (20 named)
and 15 from the south (11 named) r94,88-map no. 18.6].
L

In addition to the port commission at Siuslaw Bay, there is also a
community development corporation, both located in Florence. Their
addresses and phone numbers are [106]:

Port of Siuslaw Siuslaw Valley Development Corp.
P.O. Box 297 P.O. Box 280
Florence, Oregon 97439 Florence, Oregon 97439
997-2027 997-3486

I There are two North Fork Siuslaw Rivers.

182

Siusla1w Bay

Drainage Basin

The drainage basin of Siuslaw Bay is the same as that of the Siuslaw
River--it covers 773 sq mi and yields an average of 2,300,000 ac-ft of
fresh water annually [7,70,85,88]. It consists of 91% (708 sq mi)
forests; 4% (28 sq mi) cropland; 1% (6 sq mi) rangeland; and 4% (31 sq mi)
"other" [88] .

Annual precipitation averages from 40 inches in the eastern watershed
to 100 inches in the northwestern section with 80 inches along the coast
[881. Precipitation records from Florence are available through the OSWRB
in punch card or printout form (Table 10) [92,143].

Elevations range from sea level to 3,000 feet [88].

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The bay is described as being fully exposed to waves at the throat [55].

Tidewater reaches to between miles 22.5 [69] and 2S [107] of the
Siuslaw River and to mile 6.9 of the North Fork Siuslaw River [69].

The mean tide range is 5 .2 feet with a diurnal -range of 6.9 feet
and an ex@reme range of 11.0 feet [861. Tidal prigm on mean range is
2.76 x 10 cu ft with a diurnal range of 3.66 x 10 cu. ft [55].

Currents and tidal ranges have been measured (1973) to determine the times
of maximum ebb and flood flow [151]

River Discharges

Normal flow of the Sluslaw River (at the mouth) has been estimated
as 3,150 cfs based on precipitation records from 1937 to 1963 r7].. A
stream gaging station is located on the Siuslaw River at mile 23.7 near
Mapleton (Table 10) where the drainage area is 588 sq mi. The station has
been in operation since October 1967, and records through September 1970
show extreme flows of 32,300 cfs (January 27, 1970) and 70 cfs (August 30
and 31, 1970) with an average discharge during the 1969 water year of
2,023 cfs [140]

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

Burt and McAllister have reported salinity measurements taken in
the Siuslaw River during October 19S7 and January, March, and July 1958
for a total of four sampling dates [12]. Of the four, salinity intrusion

183

Siuslaw Bay

was greatest on October 7, 1957 at HHW when it reached a point 17.3miles
from@the ocean at concentrations of 0.2 ppt on the surface (water temperature--
14.0'C) and 0.4 ppt on the bottom at a depth of 10 feet (water temperature--
13.7-C).

On the basis of salinity change from top to bottom, Burt and McAllister
classified Siuslaw Bay as a two-layered system.in January and May; as a
partly-mixed system in March; and as a well-mixed system in October [13].

Giger [391 provides salinity measurements with depth and length for
high and low tides during winter (1968) and summer (1967) conditions. Salinity
intrusion was shown to approximately 20-22 miles from the ocean during summer
conditions and approximately 5-7 miles from the mouth during winter conditions.
The system is well mixed during the summer period particularly at high tide.

Seasonal (1973) measurements of salinity, temperature, turbidity, pH
and dissolved oxygen have been taken for high and low tides with depth and
length within the estuary [151].

Sediments

It is estimated that the Siuslaw River transports some 103,000 tons
of sediments to the estuary annually [57,85]. A water temperature station
is located on the Siuslaw River at mile 23.7 (near Mapleton) and records of
sediment concentrations and sediment loads are kept there (Table 10)
4-
[141]. Daily extremes of seEment concentration during the period from
August 1967 through September 1968 were 1 mg/l (many times) and 160
mg/l (Feburary 1968). The daily sediment load ranged from 0.36 tons
(August 1967) to 4,600 tons (February 1968). A major source of coarse
grain sediments in the estuary is the sand dunes to the south. Some
material is transported by the wind with a degree of counteraction by
the high current velocities which result from the narrow channel; however,
all but the main channel in the lower.reaches of the estuary has been
filled [531.

Analyses of 6 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge samples taken
primarily from the entrance channel during the early 1960's and 1970's
show the following: (1) organic contents ranging from 0.26% (April 1972)
to 0.61% (August 1971); (2) void ratios ranging from 0.551 (August 1971)
to 0.809 (August 1962), and (3) mean grain size consistently that of -
fine sand [124]. -

Analysis of sediments for grain size, porosity and volitile solids
along the length of the 'estuary have been determined for summer and winter
(1973) conditions [151].

184

Siuslaw Bay

Water Quality Information

The DEQ operates nine water surveillance stations on Siuslaw Bay
(Table 10) [67,68]. Records are available in punch card or printout
form for as far back as June 1968 with at least seven sampling dates
at most of the stations.

The USGS water temperature station 1*ocated on the Siuslaw River
at mile 23.7 (Table 10) recorded an average temperature for November
1967 through August 1968 (10 months) of 12'C and extremes for the period
of 26'C (in July 1968) and 3*C (in December 1967 and January 1968) [141].

Florence city water is pumped from the sand dunes [351. The city
operates a secondary treatment sewage plant located in the southwest
section of Florence on Rhododendron Drive about 4.5 miles west of'Highway
101. Average daily flow from the plant during October 1972 (fairly dry
weather) was about 350,000 gallons. The plant serves Florence only (no
industries) and is the only sewage treatment plant on the bay [36,121].

Biological Information

The number of adult anadromous salmonids spawning in the Siuslaw
River system are estimated as follows: spring chinook--O, fall chinook--
4,500, coho--22,000, summer steelhead--O, winter steelhead--13,000, and
sea-run cutthroat--50,000 [75]. A comparison with the number of salmonids
spawning in other estuarine river systems (Table B) shows these figures
to be below average.

Species commonly found in the bay which are of interest to anglers
include salmon, redtail seaperch, bay mussels, pile perch, dungeness
crab, and softshell clams (found mainly in the tidelands upstream from
Florence). Less common (but still fairly abundant) are shiner perch,
staghorn sculpin, piddocks, and gaper clams (in a small bed near the mouth
of the bay) [38,S3,15S].

The area around the estuary is a winter range for black-tailed deer,
Roosevelt elk, black bear, and cougar. Of these, black-tailed deer are
the most abundant [75].

Physical Alterations

Modifications to the estuary by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as
originally planned included an entrance channel stabilized by two rubble-
mound jetties and leading to a river channel which was to extend approximately-
7.5 miles up the Siuslaw River. In 1958, expansion of many portions of
the project plus a turning basin near Florence were authorized. A summary
of the alterations is given in Table 4.

185

Siuslaw Ba@

The Siuslaw River is navigable to mile 19.0, and the North Fork Siuslaw
River is navigable by small craft to mile :@.O (controlling depth 3 feet)
[69].

Army Corps of Engineers dredging records for 19S9 through-1969
(excluding 1968) show most of their dredging activites taking place in the
entrance channel with the 82,300 cu yds removed from there in 1965 being
a fairly typical quantity.[55]. The maximum amount was 822,080 from the '116-
foot channel" in 1969 and the minimum amount was 48,250 cu yds from the*
entrance channel in 1965.

Private contractors have performed hydraulic dredging on the North
Fork Siuslaw River and have spoiled behind berms [50].

The inventory of filled lands in the Siuslaw River taken by the Division
of State Lands shows that land fills on submerged or submersible lands
are located nearly exclusively in the Florence area [691. As of June, 1972,
these fills totaled 40.75 acres of which 36.28 acres were dredging spoils
(Table Q. Considerable modification of marshes has occurred in the past
through agricultural uses.

Table 4. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Modifications to Siuslaw Bay [55,126,128-1291.

Proposed Dimensions
Modification Location depth. width Length Date and Status
(feet) (feet)

North Jetty entrance 1917-completed
1958mhabilitated
1958 -600-foot
extension authorized

South Jetty Entrance 1917-completed
1962-rehabilitated

Channel Entrance 12 1930-completed
18 300 1,500 feet 1958 (2) _ expansion
authorized
1969-deepened

Channel Entrance to 12 200 5 miles 1930-completed
Florence 16 200 5 1958(2) -expansion
(wider at authorized
bends) 1968-dredging completed
Turning Basin Opposite 16 400 600 feet 1958(2) _authorized
Siuslaw
dock at
Florence

Channel Florence to 150 2.5 miles 1930-completed
Cushman

lLack of completion date does not necessarily signify that the modification has not
been constructed.
2Preconstruction planning for the 1958 authorization reportedly underway as of 1971
(publication date) unless otherwise indicated [129].

186

Siuslaw Bay

Table 5. Major water-related businesses on the Siuslaw River within tidewater
(mile 25) [107).

name distance type of number log raft
from mouth] business employed storage
(mi I es.) (acres)

U.S. Coast Guard 1.9 20
Station, Siuslaw R.

Siuslaw Pacific Moorage 2.5 4 -6

Bay Bridge Marina 4.9 2- 4

Port of Siuslaw 5.3
main dock 8 -12
commercial marina I -2.
sport boat marina 1 -2

Umpqua River Navigation. 6.9 4 -8
Riverside Machine Shop
T. 0. Nordahl

The Murphy Company 7.8 veneer mill
peeler logs 40 60 2

Siuslaw Marina and
Boatways 8.1 1 3

Nordahl Tow Boat Co. 8.4 3 - 6

Cushman Store and Marina 8.5 1 - 2

Wills Shingle Mill shingle mill 2 - 6 0.25 to 0.5

Midway Docks 11.4 1 - 3

Porters Landing 14.9 1
C & D Docks 15.4 1 - 2 10 to 152

Davidson Industries, Inc. 16.1 lumber mill 172

Russels Marina 17.9 1 - 2
U.S. Plywood Corp. 19.2 plywood mill 150 - 200 2 to 33

.lAll located on the north side of the Siuslaw River except IRussels Marina on the
south.
2Has cut back almost 35% of water storage in the last year; 10 to 15 acres is the
present use.
3No storage--only barked peelers put into water prior to use, utilizing 2 to 3 acres.

187

s ius, 1 aw B 4y,

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Incomes in the Siuslaw Basin are derived primarily from the forests.
The estuary is used for log storage, towing, and barging, and numerous
forest products are made in the area and shipped from the Port of Siuslaw
each year [35,49,129,155].

The 16 major water-related businesses on the Siuslaw River (to
Tidewater at mile 25) are listed in Table 5. Of the 16, four deal in
forest products and have a combined work force of about 400 as opposed
to approximately 60 for the remaining l2. These four industries use
from 14.25 to 20.5 acres of the estuary (depending on the time of year)
.for log storage (also shown in Table 5) [107]. Manufacturers in the area
other than those on the Siuslaw River listed in Table 5 are described
in Table 6 [71]. Most of these deal in lumber or wood products.

Table 6. Major Manufacturers at Siuslaw Bay not Included in Table 5 [71].

Location Name Type of Business Number
Employed

Florence @iuslaw News and newspaper and commercial print 10
and Printing and magazine printing

10 other manufacturers dealing mainly in lumber and wood
employing less than products (mostly logging)
10

Mapleton Lagler Logging Inc. Contract logging 20

3 manufacturers, 2 of dealing in logging
which employ 1 (the
other is not listed)

Forest products account for virtually all traffic on the Siuslaw River
project. Of the 127,000 tons of traffic using the river during 1969,
about 75% was lumber and nearly 25% rafted logs. Annual traffic between
1960 and 1969 av eraged 207,000 tons 1155], and watershipment of forest
products by the Port of Siuslaw is about 125 tons each year 135]. Much
of this is sent to the San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, and the Hawaiian
Islands.

188

Siuslaw Bay

Commercial fishing from the estuary, mainly for shad and crab, is
quite limited (Table 7). Landings from the entire area provide some
Table 7. 'Commercial Harvest of Shad, Striped Bass, and Crabs From
Siuslaw Bay..

Species 1969 1970 1971
pounds fishermen pounds fishermen pounds fishermen
landed - value landed value landed value

Shad(l) 101266 $1,000 9,520 $1,000 8,290 $1,000

Stripe 629 1,242
Bass
Crabs 12,000(2) $3,000(2) 3,320(3) 3,80()(3)

lSource of reference [20]; data for the Siuslaw River System.
2Source of reference [75]; data for Siuslaw Bay.
3Source of reference[ii8]; data for Siuslaw Bay.
income (Table 8), although.not as much as at most of the other estuaries
included here (Tables D and E) [34].

There are some agricultural activities (dairy and row crop farming)
[35], and the area upstream from the estuary is becoming more industrialized
[iss].

Tab le 8. Commercial Harvest of Food Fish Received
at Florence, 19710) [34].

Species Harvest
(pounds round Fishermen
weight) value

Crabs 134,213 $40,000
Coho 133,395 42,000
Albacore Tuna 12,003 4,000
Shad 8,290 1,000
Chinook 6,898 4,000
Groundfish 2,293
Striped Bass 1,242
Smelt 40

Totals 289,374 T911000

!Includes 1971 data presented in Table 7.

189

Siuslaw Bay

Table 9. Est Mted Annual Harvest Data for Sport Fishing at Siuslaw
Bay [751.

Species area annual harvest effort gross
fished (total number) (angler-days) expenditures

Salmon Estuary 4,600 11,000 340,400
Siuslaw River 2,000 4,000 148,000
Ocean 11,000 14,000 814,000

Sea-run Estuary 14 DOD
cutthroat River 2:000j 20,000 370,000
Steelhead River 4,000 12,000 296,000

Shad Estuary 300 200 3,700
Striped Bass Estuary 100 600 11,100
Non-salmonid Estuary 12,000 10,000 60,000
bay fish

lAverage of data from past years.

Recreational

Annual harvest data for angling at Siuslaw Bay are given in Table 9.

Trolling f or coho, chinook,-and sea-run cutthroat in the estuary is popular
from mid July through November with the best salmon fishing occurring
soon after the first heavy rain in September. During the winter months,
casting for steelhead is popular [3S,S8].

Spe cies other than salmon and trout which are most commonly taken
from the estuary (as determined in the FCO study from October to March
1971) are redtail seaperch, bay mussells, and pile perch by shore
angling; dungeness crab and relatively few shiner perch and staghorn
sculpin by boat angling; and soft shell clams, relatively few piddocks,
and a limited number of mussells by clamming [38].

Marinas on the estuary include the Bay-Bridge Marina, Port of
Siuslaw, and Siuslaw Pacific Moorage [35].

190

Siuslaw Bay

Table 10. Surveillance stations at Siuslaw Bay.
type of name and/or approximate drainage period of referencis-
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)
climatological Florence 3 NNW Siuslaw River; 1909*(1963) JOS92,143]l
mile 10

Mapleton Siuslaw River; 1924-1929 '1881
mile 21

stream gaging Siuslaw River Siuslaw River; 588 1967-(1970) [14 01,
near Mapleton mile 23.7

Siuslaw River Siuslaw River; 261' 1931-1941
above Wildcat mile 44.9
Creek near Austa;
USGS #3070

North Fork North Fork Siuslaw [140)
Siuslaw River River; mile 13.09
near Minerva

DEQ water #1 red channel buoy #16 6/68-(12/71) 167,68;
surveillance (7 measurements)
#2 red channel buoy #32

#3 channel, 250 yards below
Highway 101 bridge--
buoy #47

200 yards north and 700
yards east of Highway
101 bridge

#5 black channel buoy #55 6/68-(12/71)
(6 measurements)
#6 North Fork Siuslaw 6/687(12/71)
River bridge (7 measurements)

#7 main channel near
Cushman

#8 SouthSlough inlet 6/68- (12/71
next to Siboco (6 measurements)

#9 Beck station Tiernan; 4 6/68-(12/71)
miles above Cushman (7 measurements)
water Siuslaw River; Siuslaw River; 588 1967-(1968) [141]4
temperature near Mapleton mile 23.7

lPrecipitation data available in punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.
2MOnthly and water-year runoff records have been compiled and are available in punch card
or printout form through the OSWRB.
30ata available in punch card or printout form through the DEQ.
41ncludes sediment records.
This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.
Period of record is not continuous.

191

192

SIXES RIVER

193

To., I fhRG a
Roc
113 9 L
1 4 2 Bm
If
16

OTA@TE

Wreck
'PARK

9
30
CURRY CO
Castle Rock/@-
AIRPORT

Beacon
166
v
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INTERIOR-GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. WASH. D.C.-I9,53 (pORT ORFORD) 124'-3, GOLD SEACH 33 MI.
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194

SIXES RIVER

General Desc@iption of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

The Sixes River Estuary lies 233 miles south of the Columbia River
mouth. It ranks as one of the smallest in size in terms of surface
area. Population in the area is largely rural, the small town of
Sixes being near the river and Port Orford approximately 5 miles to
the south. Census figures and locations appear in Table 1.

Table 1. Population Centers at Sixes River [q,96,111,1541.

Name General Location River 1970
Mile Population
Location

Sixes Sixes River, 5.3 (not listed)
N. Side

Port 5 miles south not 1,037
Orford of Sixes, Ore. apj2licable

The HW surface area of the estuary as estimated from 1973,EROS
Data Center aerial photographs is 330 acres [1351.
I L

The average annual yield of the Sixes River at its mouth was
440,000 ac-ft for the period of 1930-1961. The minimum annual yield
was 240,000 ac-ft, and the maximum, 630,000 ac-ft. The Sixes River
source is at river mile 31.41, elevation 880 feet [93,961.

The Port of Port Orford is located at P.O. Box 227, Port Orford,
Oregon 97465; telephone number 332-3281 [106].

Drainage Basin

. The Sixes River drains a total basin area of 129 sq. miles. The
average yearly freshwater yield of the Sixes River is 440,000 ac-ft
which equals an average annual yield of 64 inches over the basin [93].

The Sixes River Basin consists primarily of woodlands (92.3%;
76,76S acres), cropland (1.9%; 1,565 acres), and pasture (4.3%; 3,610
acres). As of January, 1963 the Sixes River had one existing storage
pond and 3 potential reservoir sites being studied,

The Sixes stream profile appears on page 43 in the Chetco River
Basin section.

195

SIXES RIVER

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Drainage Basin

The average annual precipitation ranges from 60 inches at the
mouth of the Sixes River to 110 inches in the upper Teaches [93].

There are four climatological stations in the vicinity. T he
Cape Blanco station has precipitation and temperature data from 1952
the Langlois stations has precipitation and temperature lata from 1891-
1904, the Langlois 2 station has precipitation data from 1922, and the
Port Orford station has precipitation ano temperature data from 1852--
1856 and from 1905 to the present [93,143].

The Sixes River has a length of 31.4 miles, the South Fork
having a length of 8 miles. The elevation drop from souTc:s to mouth
is 880 feet for the Sixes River and 1,840 feet for the South Fork.
The average gradient for the Sixes River is 28 feet per mile and 230
feet per mile for the South Fork [93].

Hydraulic Description of-Estuary

Tides and Currents

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the average range of
the tide is approximately 5 feet [144].

River Dishcarges

Stream flow records are available from the USGS stream gaging
station on the Sixes River at Sixes, Oregon. The station is located
at river mile S.3. The station is discontinued, but records are
available for data taken between October 1967 to June 1970. Stream
flow averages and extremes appear in Table 2 [148].

Table 2. Stream Gaging Data [148].

Stream Location Drainage Complete Flowrate
(river mile) area water years (cfs)
(sq.mi.) of record max. min. mean

Sixes 5.3 116 Oct; 1967 23,800 18 646
River to June,
1970

196

SIXES RIVER

'Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Salinityand Classification by Mixing

Salinity profiles as a function of depth and distance from the
mouth of the river are presented in Table 3. Data was taken on
August 22, 1973 during a high tide of +7.5 feet [87].

Sediments

North of Cape Blanco the shoreline is dominated by marine terraces
with low cliffs and narrow,, sand beaches. The narrow beaches in the
area are composed of coarse sands and gravels. The shoreline between
Floras Lake and Cape Blanco displays rocky headlands with steep cliffs.

According to the National Shoreline Study by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (Aug., 1971), the beach area at Floras Lake north of the
Sixes River Estuary is experiencing non-critical erosion along with
the shoreline at Cape Blanco,to the south of the estuary. The beaches
in the immediate vacinity of the estuary are experiencing no erosion

The generalized sediment yield for streams in the area is 0.1 to
0.5 ac-ft per sq. mile per year [23].

Water Quality Information

Miscellaneous flow and temperature measurements for the basin
were made by the Oregon State Game Commission. Temperature ranges
from these sources are presented in Table 4 178].

DEQ water quality stations are listed in Table 7.

Biological Information

Estimates of the number of adult anadromous salmonids spawning
in the Sixes River system are as follows: spring chinook--none, fall
chinook--3,000, coho--300, steelhead--2,500, sea-run cutthroat--3,000.
The Sixes River is considered to be one of the most important fall
chinook streams on the Oregon Coast [78,93].

Dace, cottids, red-sided shiners, sticklebacks, lamprey, and
suckers are the known rough fish species in the stream systems of the
South Coast Basin [78].

The most important factor limiting fish production in the South
Coast Basin in summer water supply. The Sixes River system contains
extensive porous gravel beds through which summer flows frequently
sub-out, resulting in considerable fish loss (Table 5) [78].

197

Sixes River

Biological Information

Table 3. Salinity Values for Sixes
River Estuary. Aug. 22, 1973 [87].

Station Distance Salinity :Depth
from
mouth top bottom (ft.)
(mi,)

1 0.1 28.5 28.S 2

2 0.2 22.7 26.9 4

3 0.3 18.8 27.2 S

4 0.4 22.1 27.9 6

5 0.5 3.1 27.9 6

6 0.7 2.7 27.2 4

7 0.9 2.8 27.2 3

8 1.0 2.9 27.2 3.5

9 1.3 2.8 19.5

10 1.4 1.7 26.0 S

11 1.9 --- ---- I

Water temperatures over 70'F commonly accompany low summer flows.
Low natural summer runoff coupled with extensive streamside logging in
the Sixes basin contribute to warm streamflow conditions during the
summer. (See'Table 4) [78].

Logging and related road construction are the main causes of
siltation. Naturally-occuring landslides and poor land development
are other causes. Heavy deposition of silt is more likely to occur
on spawning beds and food producing areas when stream-flows are'low and
unable to keep the particles in suspension. The Sixes system is one
of five areas in the South Coast Basin considered to be most affected
by siltation [78].

198

Table 4. Temperature Extremes for Sixes Drainage Basin [781.

Point of Observed Temperature Extremes
measurement of (FO)
record max. min. type of.
observation

Sixes River 4-8-69 to 71 54 spot
river mile 5 7-22-69

Sixes River 4-8-69 to 74 52 spot
above Dry Cr. 7-22-69

Sixes River 4-8-69 to 70 49 spot
below Middle Fork 6-4-69

Sixes River 4-8-69 to 69 45 spot
below North Fork 6-14-69

Sixes River 4-8-69 to 49 44 spot
above Hays Cr. 5-7-69

Crystal Cr. 4-8-69 to 67 54 spot
mouth 7-22-69

Edson Cr. 4-8-69 to 68 so spot
mouth 7-22-69

Dry Cr. 4-8-69 to 55 51 spot
100 yd. above 7-22-69
mouth

Elephant Rock Cr. to 58 52 spot
100 yd. above .5-7-69
mouth

S. Fork Sixes R. 4-8-69 to 65 47 spot
100 yd. above 7-22-69
mouth

Otter Cr. 4-8-69 to 59 S1 spot
50 yd. above mouth 5-7-69

Mid. Fork Sixes R. 4-8-69 to 64 46 spot
below Cold Cr. 6-4-69

Sugar Cr. 4-8-69 to 52 48 spot
200 yd. above 5-7-69
mouth

N. Fork Sixes R. 4-8-69 to 68 45 spot
river mile 0.7 6-4-69

Hays Cr. 4-8-69 to 50 44 spot
100 yd. above
mouth

199

SIXES RIVER

Biological Information

Table S. Dry Creek (Sixes River) Fish
Salvage'Results, 1949-1952 [78].

YEAR W.1BER OF FISH SALVAGED*

1949 20,125

1950 37,4S4

1951 47,673

1952 32,330

TOTAL 13@,S82

Steelhead, coho, salmon, and fall chinook
salmon.

Logjams and natural falls create the only significant barriers
to fish passage in the South Coast Basin. The Sixes system is one
of five areas in the basin considered to be most adversely affected
by logjams [781.

The Sixes River system has 13 streams used by adult anadromous
salmonids, 11 of which have minimum flow recommendations established
and 1 protected by the State Water Resources Board. It has been
recommended that the entire stream of Dry Creek (Sixes R.) above
river mile 0.25 should be protected from gravel removal [78J.-

Table 6 refers to the estimated sport harvest in the Sixes River
system.

Many of Oregon's important bottom fish and shellfish, as well as
all anadromous salmonids, depend on the estuarine envrionment during
some part of their lives. Due to,the geology of the extreme southern
Oregon Coast, the estuaries in this -region are generally small in
size. However, these estuaries, including the Sixes River Estuary,
are important for the survival of salmon and steelhead [78].

Figure 1 is a periodicity chart showing when adult spawning
anadromous fish are present in the Sixes River System.

200

Figure 1. Periodicity Chart for Adult Spawning
Anadromous Fish in the Sixes River System [78].

Chinook Salmon

Coho Salmon ----------------------

Steelhead and
Cutthroat trout

Stream Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. April May

Sixes River

Dry Creek --- -----------

Edson Creek

Elephant Rock Creek

Otter Creek ----------------

Sixes River, Mid. Fork ----------------

Sixes River,- North Fork

Sixes River, South Fork -------------

Sugar Creek

201

SIXES RIVER

Biological Information

Table 6. Estimat.ed Annual Harvest,
Angler Days, and Gross Expenditures
for Angling in the Sixes River System [78].,

Fish Harvest Angler Gross
'Days Expenditures

Salmon 2,600 10,400 $192,400

Steelhead 1,200 4,800 88,800

Sea-run 4SO 250 4,62S
Cutthroat

TOTAL 1S,4SO $28S,82S

Includes jack salmon.

Big game create the most hunting opportunities of all wildlife in
the basin. In order of abundance, they are: black-tailed deer,
Roosevelt elk, black bear, and cougar... Upland game animals include:
band-tailed pigeon, ruffed grouse, blue grouse, mourning dove, mountain
quail, valley quail, pheasent, and silver-grey squirrel. Waterfowl use
of the Sixes area is relatively minor, but can provide some good to
excellent shooting at times in certain areas. Species sighted are
mallard, pintail, widgeon, coot, ruddy duck, canvasback, green-winged
teal, gadwall, readhead, ringnecked duck, scaup, and merganzers.

Furbearers trapped most frequently are beaver, muskrat, river
otter, raccoon, and mink. The ring-tailed cat (Bassariscus) and sea
otter are the most unique animals in the area and have received full
protection by the Game Commission [79].

Physical Alterations

The only physical alteration near the estuary is the Oregon Coast
Highway Bridge (U.S. 101) at river-mile 5.4 [961.

202

SIXES RIVER

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

The only known industrial and commercial uses for the Sixes River are
irrigation, mining, and gravel removal. The legal annual depletion is 1,700
ac-ft with the estimated actual annual consumption being 400 ac-ft. The
Sixes River has 2 reservoir rights issued for industrial purposes with a total
of 464 ac-ft storage capacity and a total surface area of 39 acres. Surface
water rights include 3.12 cfs consumptive for domestic, irrigation, and indust-
rial use, while 75 cfs nonconsumptive rights are issued for mining purposes.
Chromite, gold, platinum, and coal are mined in the watershed [93].

The only manufacturer in Sixes, Oregon is the Lester T. Smith Lumber Co.,
a logging contractor which has one employee [711.

Recreation

The principal attraction of the basin is the Pacific Ocean, and the 145
miles of shoreline are dotted with state parks, waysides, and tourist facilities.
Fishing, boating, and other water-based sports make extensive use of the basin's
stream system. The large forest areas covering the slopes of the Coast Range
provide excellent hunting.

Parts of the Sixes River flow through the northern portions of the Siskiyou
National Forest. Several streams in the basin have outstanding aesthetic values
and make a significant contribution simply because they maintain attractive
flows, have little stream-side development, and possess watersheds that have not
been excessively logged. The entire South Fork of the Sixes River was selected
by the Oregon State Game Commission as a stream which should be managed for its
aesthetic value [78,93].

203

Table 7. Surveillance Stations at Sixes River

Type of Name and/ or Approximate Drainage Period Reference
station identifying location area of
number (sq.mi.) record

Climatological Cape Blanco T32S, R16W 1952- [931
Sec. 2 present

Langlois T30S, R15W 1891-
Sec. 35 1904

Langlois 2 T13S, R15W 1922-
(Formerly Denmark, Sec. 2 present
Willow Creek)

Port Orford T33S, R15W 1852-
(Formerly the Sec. 8 1856,
heads) 1905-
present

Stream Gaging 14327150 At Sixes, T32S, R15W 116 Oct., 1967- [148]
Oregon Sec. 9 June, 1970
Water Quality Sixes R. 1 mi. T32S, R15W [148]
above HWY 101 Sec. 10
Bridge river mile
7.2

204

TILLAMOOK BAY

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206

TILLAMOOK BAY

General"Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

Tillamook Bay, the second largest of the estuaries included in this
report, lies about 50 miles south of the mouth of the Columbia River.
Three incorporated towns in the area are Garibaldi, Bay City, and Tillamook.
These and other population centers are listed with their 1970 census figures
and approximate locations in Table 1. Not included in Table 1 are the
U.S. Coast Guard Station to the north of the estuary mouth and the U.S.
Naval Air Station about 1 mile southeast of mile 5 of the Trask River.
Table 1. 1 Population centers atTillamook Bayl [95,11- 1,:89-mapi
name generallocation approximate 1970
distance from population
estuary mouth
(miles)

Barview Tillamook Bay; north side 0 55
at the mouth
Garibaldi2 Tillamook Bay; north side 1 1,083
Miami Tillamook Bay (Miami Cove); 3 not listed
north side
Hobsonville Tillamook Bay; north side 2 not listed
Bay City2 (east of Miami Cove)
Tillamook Bayi east side 4 898
Idaville Tillamook Bay; 1 mile to 250
the east
Juno Tillamook Bay; I mile to no pop
the east
Cape Meares Tillamook Bay (Briggs Cove); 3.5 50
2 west side
Tillamook Trask River; north-side; 9.5 3,968
mile 2
South Prairie Tillamook River; north side; 14.5 not listed
. mile 6.9
Pleasant Valley Tillamook River; east side; 18.8 rural
mile 11.3

lTidal effects ext end approximately to mile 1.3 of the Kilchis River, mile
0.4 of the Miami River, mile 7.0 of the Tillamook River, mile 4.2 of the
2Trask River, and mile 2.4 of the Wilson River.
Incorporated
Tillamook Bay is about 6 miles long and 2 miles wide. An average
of the surface areas reported by Johnson at HW f551, Marriage t,59], and
the Division of State Lands at MHT [70 is approximately 8,660 acres

207

Tillamook Bay

of which 50% to 60% is tidelands (Table 2). Other dimensions as given
by Johsnon are shown in Table 3.
Table 2. Reported surface areas of Tillamook Bay (95,59,70).
reference surface area measured at tidelands submerged lands
(acres) acres percent acres percent

8,861 HW
6,589 MSL
4,339 LW
[591 8,839 1 5,147 58
.[701 8,289 MHT 4,163 50 4,127 50
4,126 MLT

iSpecified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal action.

Tab, I e 3. Dimensions of Tillamook Bay ss
distance from throat.to
farthest estuary shore--6.9 miles
inlet diemsnions at throat (at MSL):
width--1,485 feet
average depth--16 feet
cross-sectional area--15,700 feet
average lagoon depth below MSL--5 feet

The five major tributaries of the bay are the Miami River from the
north, the Kilchis and Wilson Rivers from the east, and the Trask and
Tillamook Rivers from the south. About 19 smaller tributaries also discharge
directly into the bay. Table 4 presents the lengths, drainage areas,
annual fresh water yields, and the approximate distance from the estuary
mouth to the zero river mile of each of these five larger rivers [89,9S-
map].

A good deal of information on Tillamook Bay has been compiled by
Thos. J. Murry and Associates in "Development Program for Tillamook Bay,
Oregon." [120]. The study is referred to frequently here.,

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a physical model of
Tillamook Bay in 1970 to consider problems developing in connection with
the construction of the south jetty [83,115]. This is mentioned in more
detail under "Physcial Alterations."

Port commissions for the area have their headquarters in Tillamook
and Garibaldi and can be contacted at the following addresses and phone
numbers:

208

Tillamook Bay

Port of Tillamook Bay Port of Bay City
P.O. Box 113 P.O. Box 228
Tillamook, Oregon 97141 Garibaldi, Oregon 97118
842-2413 322-3292
322-3279

Table 4. Lengths, drainage areas, and fresh water yields of Tillamook Bay
tributaries [89,95].

stream distance from length drainage area average annual
estuary mouth to (miles) (sq mi) fresh water
zero river milel yield2
(miles) (ac-ft)

Miami River 3 13.6 36
Kilchis River 6 13.83 67
Wilson River 6.5 33.24 1,071,600
Trask River 7.5 18.25 176 839,800

Tillamook River 7.5 18.4 61 292,500

lEstimated from[89 -map]
2Estimated for 1933 to 1958 .[,89]
3To the confluence of North Fork and South Fork
4To the confluence of Devils Lake Fork and South Fork
5To the confluence of North Fork and South Fork

Drainage Basin

Tillamook Bay drains an area,of 540 sq mi [89-map]. The average
annual fresh water yield of three of its major tributaries (Wilson,
Trask, and Tillamook Rivers).totals 2,203,000 ac-ft. These three
rivers drain a.combined are-a of 430 sq mi or about 80% of the drainage
basin [85].

Principal trees in the watershed are douglas fir, hemlock, and spruce
[121]. Timberlands, owned primarily by large corporations, lie to the
north and south of the estuary. Located to the east is an area of 300,000
acres hit by forest fires in 1933, 1939, and 1945 and known as the
"Tillamook Burn" [120,121].

Precipitation ranges from an annual averag e of 90 inches along the
coast to 150 inches in the north central portion of the watershed [89].
There are severa1climatological stations in the Tillamook Bay area,
and precipitation records are available through the OSWRB from at least
2 of them as described in Table 13. Major floods occurred in the Tillamook
Bay area in January 1972 and in 1964.

The average air temperature at the city of Tillamook is 51OF with
recorded extremes of OOF and 101OF [89]. Wind roses there show January
winds with speeds of 4 to 31 mph coming from the.south or from the east
about 30% of the time. In July, winds are primarily from the northwest
(about 35% of the time) and also have speeds generally from 4 to 31 mph f138].

209

Tillamook Bay

Stream profiles for the Tillamook Estuary river systems appear on
page

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

Tillamook Bay is described as being well protected from waves at the
throat [55]. Tidal effects extend to the following points on its five
major tributaries: Kilchis River--mile 1.3, Miami River--mile 0.4, Tillamook
River--mile 7.0, Trask River--mile 4.2, and Wilson River--mile 2.4 f69].

The mean tide range is 5.7 feet with a diurnal range of 7.5 feet
[5S] and an extreme tidal range of 13.5 feet [86]. Tidal pri@m on mean
range is 1.635 x 109 cu ft with a diurnal range of 2.15 x 10, cu ft f551-

River Discharges

Stream gaging stations are located at mile 11.4 of the Wilson River
and at mile 10.4 of the Trask River (Table 13) [140]. Flow rate extremes
and means recorded at these two stations are given in Table 5.

Table 5. Fl'ow rates of -Tillamook Bay tributaries [140].
stream point of drainage complete flow rate
measurement area @water years (Cfs)
(river mile) (sq mi)_ of record maximum minimum mean_

Wilson River 11.4 161 40 32,100 34 1,205
(12/22/64) (9/67)

Trask River 10.4 145 33 23,000 - 42 959
(12/22/64) (10/52)

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

Salinity measurements of the Tillamook River by Burt and McAllister
were made once (each month) in October 1957 and January, April, and July
1958 [12]. Maximum intrusion for these four times was on July 23, 1958
when salinity was measured at concentrations of 8.2 ppt (21.90C) on the
surface and 8.6 ppt (21.80C) on the bottom (12 feet) at a point 13.2
miles from the ocean. Measurements beyond this were not reported.

On the basis of salinity change from top to bottom, Burt and McAllister
have classified Tillamook Bay as a two-layered system during January
and as a-well-mixed system during April and October 113].

210

Tillamook Bay

Sediments

Net littoral drift in this area is to the north [57].

Since the completion of the north jetty in 1933, material has been
deposited behind it, and erosion of the shore along the Bayocean Peninsula
(to the south of the estuary mouth) has been a problem. In 1952
this erosion reached a point where the southern portion of the peninsula
was breached. Four years later a dike (as described under "Physical
Alterations") was constructed to help close this gap. A south jetty,
also described later, is now being constructed, and although erosion
is continuing, it@ is expected that accretion along the peninsula will
,occur as the jetty is completed [57,120,126,129].

Sediments are being deposited in the estuary at an estimated rate
of 135,000 tons annually [57], and the estuary is now believed to be
about 40% of its original size [53]. Erosion of the drainage basin follow-
ing major fires as described earlier has contributed to this filling 153].
To help reduce the quantity of sediments being deposited at the river
mouths, it has been suggested that a system of multiple-purpose channels
and sediment-settling basins be developed [120].

Analyses of dredge samples taken from the bay at a point 1 mile from the
mouth in August 1962 show a void ratio of 0.604 and a mean grain size that
of fine sand [i24].

Water Quality Information

As of May 1972 data from 12 water surveillance stations in Tillamook
Bay were available through the DEQ (Table 13) [67,68]. Records have been
kept at most of these stations since 1960 but do not generally include
DO, BOD, conductivity, turbidity and PBI data until 1966. The DEQ also
conducted two comprehensive studies in 1972 and 1973, in addition to routine
surveillance, on the levels of coliform bacteria present in the oyster
growing regions of Tillamook Bay.

.Water temperature records are available for the Wilson River near
mile 11.4 [138] and for the Trask River at mile 10.4 fl4l] (Table 13).
Temperatures at the Wilson River station have been reported as adjusted
monthly averages and have ranged from 20C for February to 240C.for July.
Records from the Trask River station show daily temperature extremes.
Between 1962 and 1968, these ranged from 10C (January 1963) to 220C (May
of 1967 and 1968). The greatest range of temperature during a single
day in 1968 was 40C (180C to 220C).

Sewage treatment plants in the Tillamook Bay area are presently
in operation for the cities of Tillamook and Garibaldi, Tillamook Creamery
Association, and the Tillamook Airport Industrial Park. Also, a treatment
plant to serve Bay City is now under construction. Information about
these facilities has been summarized in Table 6 1108,120].

211

Tillamook Bay

Table 6. Sewage treatment plants at Tillamook Bay (108,120].

city of city of Tillamook Tillamook city of
Tillamook Garibaldi Creamery Airport Bay City
Association Industrial
Park
compIletion (updated 19581 now (11/72)
date in 1970) under
construction

location boat basin about I mile
area; south- north of
west of city Tillamook
shops city

area served handles
industrial
number now 4,000 .1,250 waste and 614 960
serving sewage at
the cheese
manufacturing
plant

number 7,000 1,060 2,120
capable
of serving.
description secondary secondary secondary 14-acre-
treatment treatment; treatment lagoon
activated treatment
sludge and facil ity
aerated basin

average flow
(mgd)
rainy 0.4 to 0.6
dry 0.125 (10/20/72)

Being replaced by an activated sludge sand filtration plant with secondary treatment;
to be capable of serving 2,500.

Table 7. Estimated numbers of adult anadromous salmonids spawning in the major
tributaries of Tillamook Bay [77].

stream chinook coho chum steelhead sea-run
spring fall winter summer cutthroat

Miami River 90 540 270 2,850 675 50 2,500

Kilchis River 540 2,970 1,890 4,050 4,000 100 3,000

Wilson River 1,800 9,900 6,300 1,500 33,600 2,000 5,000

Trask River 3,150 17,325 23,275 1,000 11,000 200 5,000

Tillamook River 540 2,970 1,890 500 300 50 2,500

,totals 6,120 33,705 33,625 9,900 49,575 2,400 18,000

,212

Tillamook Bay

Biological Information

Estimated numbers of chinook, coho, chum, steelhead, and sea-run
cutthroat spawning in the five major tributaries of.Tillamook Bay are shown
in Table 7 [77]. In comparison with other estuarine rivers and river
systems (Table B), these numbers are quite high.

Salmon and perch provide excellent sport fishing there, and clam digging,
and crabbing are important both recreationally and commercially, as discussed
later [38,86,126J. Clams.found in the estuary include gaper and cockle
in the northern section, softshells near the southern portion, and some
butter, littleneck, and razor clams near the mouth [38,S3,155]. The bay
is also the main oyster producer in the state, but the oysters must
be seeded in order to grow [89,120,155].

The estuary is used by widgeon, pintail, canvas back., sc,aup, and
other ducks during fall and winter, and it is the main black brant
wintering area of Oregon [89,155].

A much more complete listing of fish, waterfowl, shore birds, and
wildlife found in the area, provided by the Bureau of Sports Fisheries
and Wildlife, the OSGC, and the FCO, is presented in the T.J. Murray
report [1201, where it is also stated that, according to OSGC and FCO,
representatives,there are no endangered species (as defined by Congress
in the Endangered Species Act of 1966 and in the Endangered Species Conservation
Act of 1969) in the Tillamook Bay area,

Physical Alterations

Proposed alterations to the estuary by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
include two jetties, a channel through the ocean bar to Miami Cove and then
on to Hobsonvilie, turning basins at Miami Cove and Hobsonville, a small
boat basin at Garibaldi, and a dike to close the breach in the Bayocean
Peninsula [S5,120,1261129]. The north jetty, channel system to Miami Cove,
small-boat basin, and dike have all been completed. The south jetty has
been partially constructed as has the turning basin at Miami Cove (most of
which is described as being inactive) [126]. The channel from Miami Cove
to Hobsonville and the turning basin, also described as inactive [126],
have apparently not yet been constructed. Demensions and con struction
dates are given in Table 8.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging records from 1959 through 1969
(excluding 1968) show that (1) the entrance bar and inner channel were
dredged annually from 1962 through 1966 with an average of 57,232 cu yds
being removed; (2) the small boat basin and approach channel were dredged
in 1959 with a total of 11,724 cu yds removed; and (3) there was no dredging
in 1960, 1961, 1967, and 1969 [SS]. The Corps of Engineers was to issue an
invitation for bids for dredging about 200,00 cu yds from the lower 5,000
feet of the Trask River and the lower 8,000 feet of the Wilson River with
the bid opening on July 31, 1972 and the dredging to be completed 60 days
after the bid [120].

213

Tillamook Bay

Table 8. U.S. Wmv Corps of Engineers Modifications to Tillamook Bay
[55,120,126.,128,129].

Proposed Dimensions (1)
Modification Location depth width lenFt-h Date and Status
(feet) (feet)

North Jetty Entrance 5,700 feet 1933-completed
1965-rehabilitated
South Jetty Entrance 8,000 t(2) I965-authorized
fee 1969-construction started
1971-completed to
4,200 feet
1974-scheduled for
completion
Channel Entrance 18(3) Not 1927-completed
Specified

Channel Entrance to
Miami Cove 18(3) 200 3 miles 1927-completed

Tu rning Basin Miami Cove 1968 (publication date)-
.'most of it inactive"

Small-boat Garibaldi 12 1958-completed
Basin
Channel Miami Cove 16(3)
200 4,000 feet 1968 (publication date)-
To Hobson- "Inactive"
ville

Turning Basin Hobsonville 1968 (publication date)-
"Inactive"

Dike Bayocean 1.4 miles .1956-completed
Peninsula-
Between
Pitcher
Point and
Bayocean
lLack of completion date does not necessarily signify that the modification has not
been constructed.
2Modified to 6,500 feet after scouring at the completed end during the winter
of 1971772.
3The possibility of deepening the entrance channel to 40 feet and the inner
channel to 30 feet is being considered.

214

Tillamook Bay

Navigable lengths of the Tillamook Bay tributaries are as follows:
Kilchis River--2 miles, Miami River--0.5 miles, Tillamook River--16.0 miles,
Trask River--2.0 miles, and Wilson River--3.0 miles.

Between 1960 and 1969, traffic using the channel system averaged
09,000 tons annually, and until 1967, rafted logs accounted for from
20,000 to 70-,000 tons each year. In 1969 traffic reached 250,000 tons
and consisted entirely of inbound crushed rock for use in jetty construction
[120,129].

Future modifications to the bay as well as plans for continuing
(or altering) present projects are being considered.. A U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers study of the navigation features of Tillamook Bay has been
authorized and is ready (July 1972--publication date) for implementation
pending decision by the local port authorities as to improvements to
be proposed [120]. Examples of projects which are being discussed and
questioned include completion of the south jetty, deepening of channels,
and a-method of reducing sedimentation in the bay.

Concerning the.south jetty, there has been some problem, due to
the scouring off its completed end, as to the way work on it should proceed.
At one time, the possibility of leaving temporary gaps in the jetty to
minimize scour and then filling the gaps as a final stage was to be
tested through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers physical model of Tillamook
Bay [155]. As of July-1972, however, plans were reportedly to complete
the jetty-to a final length of 6,SOO feet by 1974, and no mention of
leaving gaps was made [120].

Also under consideration is a proposal to deepen the entrance channel
to 40 feet and the inner chapnel to 30 feet [55,120,129]. This is discussed
in the T.J. Murray report [120]. To help alleviate the problem of sedimentation
at the mouths of the tributaries to the bay, it has also been suggested
in that report that a system of multiple purpose channels and sediment
settling basins be developed.

The Division of State Lands inventory of filled lands in Tillamook
Bay has been completed and is now available [69]. Some of the information
from it is given injable C.

The FCO operates the Trask River Salmon Hatchery located'near the
junction of Gold Creek and the Trask River at a point 5 miles east of
the city of Tillamook and near mile 7'of the Trask River [54]. Total
releases, all coho and spring chinook, from the hatchery to Oregon waters
(the TraskRiver, coastal tributaries, and Gold Creek) between July 1, 1968
and June 3, 1969 numbered 1,206,463 [33]. A fishway, located on Fall
Creek and called the Fall Creek Fishway, was completed in 1964 under the
FCO "Coastal 60-40 Program" [119]. The creek-is a.tributary of the Wilson
River at mile 17.2.

215

Tillamook Bay

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Major industries around the bay are those connected with timber,
agricultural products, fish and seafoods, and tourism [20,34,89,118,121,155].
A listing of the manufacturers in the area is given in Table'9 [71].

Table 9. Major Manufacturers at Tillamook Bay [71].

Location Name Type of Business Number
Employed

Garibaldi Oregon-Washington sanded plywood 280
Plywood Co.

Edmunds Fish and seafoods (canning) 21
Crab Co.

Smith Pacific Shrimp shrimp (packaging) 24
Co.

7 manufacturers dealing in lumber and wood products
employing less than and food (fish, seafoodsi and meat).
20

Bay City McRae and Sons Inc. furniture; brush parts 20

2 manufacturers dealing in packaged fish and sea-
employing less than foods
10

Tillamook Tillamook Veneer Co. plywood 275

Publishers Paper Co.. lumber 200

Diamond Lumber Co. lumber 175

Tillamook County cheese, butter, milk and whey, 150
Creamery Association feeds

Crown Zellerbach Corp. logging 140

21 other manufacturers dealing in a variety of products, the
employing 20 or under main ones being lumber and wood
products

Tillamook County is a center of lumber production with its greatest
income being derived from forest products fl2l]. About half of its basic
industry jobs are provided by independently owned lumber and plywood
mills in the Tillamook Bay area 11201. Long-term stabilization of the
wood processing industry will reportedly depend on the operations of
the major'timberland owners in Tillamook County and on developing both
more modern facilities and the capability of utilizing smaller trees
[1201.

216

Tillamook Bay

The four major wood processing plants in the vicinity of the bay,
listed in Table 9, are the Oregon-Washington Plywood Co. (on tidewater
at Garibaldi), Publishers Paper Co., Tillamook Division (in the city
of Tillamook), Diamond Lumber Co. (southeast of the city of Tillamook
in the Tillamook Airport Industrial Park), and the Tillamook Veneer
Co. (also in the Tillamook Airport Industrial Park) [71,120]. Crown
Zellerbach Corp. and Publishers Paper Co. are the maj .or private timberland
owners in the county [120], and the Forest Service and B04 manage extensive
acres with the State Forestry Department managing the Tillamook Burn
(described earlier) [121].

Commercial fishing activities are centered at the small boat basin
at Garibaldi where the commercial fleet is moored with 119 commercial
fishing boats having annual moorage and over 200 more delivering to the
processing plants, which are also concentrated in that area as indicated
in Table 9 [71,120]. With the exception of oysters, commercial harvests
directly from the estuary (Table 10) are quite limited; however, landings
from the entire area (Table 11) with a total value to'fishermen of over
$900,000 during 1971 provide some income [34,77,118]. A comparison with
landings received at other estuaries can be made from Tables D and E.
Table 10. Commercial Harvest of Clams, Crabs,-and Oysters From
Tillamook Bay [77,11.81.

Species 1969 1970 1971
pounds pounds fishermen pounds fishermen
landed landed value landed value

Clams 4,770 7,819 $ 1,000 5,948 $1,000

Crabs 47,160 92,465

Oysters 241,929 $236,000

Table 11. Commercial Harvest Food Fish Received
at Tillamook, 19710)

Species Harvest
(pounds round Fishermen
weight)-- value

Crabs 987,058 $227,000
Shrimp 896,080 109,000
Coho 777,671 243,000
Oysters 239,136 270,000
Albacore Tuna 118,217, 37,000
Groundfish 72,689 6,000
Chinook 18,449 10,000
Clams 5,948 11000
Pinks 2) 5
Miscellaneous( 688 l_'OOO
Totals 3,115,941 @_904,000

lIncludes 1971 data presented in Table 10.
2Sand shrimp, crawfish, eel. 217

Tillamook Bay

Oysters, which must be seeded for growth to occur, are cultivated in
2,650 acres of Tillamook Bay leased from the FCO. About 85% of the
oysters grown in Oregon are seeded and produced there by Hayes Oyster
Co., Tillamook Oyster Co., and Olsen Oyster Co. [69,89,120,155].

There are 565 dairy farms in Tillamook County, and the Tillamook County
Creamery Association, listed in Table 9, is well known for its dairy
products, particularly its cheddar cheese. Located just north of Tillamook
on Highway 101, it is reportedly the west's largest cheese plant 189,106,121].

Recreational

Fishing, clamming, and crabbing are some of the major aspects of tourism
in the area [121]. Species most commonly caught (excluding salmon and trout),
as determined in-the FCO study between March and October 1971, include
pile perch, kelp greenling, and shiner perch by shore angling; dungeness
crab by boat angling; cockle and littleneck clams and relatively few
butter clams by clamming; and some black rockfish by scuba diving [38].
Estimates of the recreational harvest of clams and non-game fish
are shown in Table 12.
Table 12. Estimated Annual Harvest Data for Sport Fishing
at Tillamook Bay '177].

ettort
Species ann-ual harvest (angler- or Year
(total number) digger-days)

Non-game 24,500 6,000 1970
bay fish
Clams 540,000 18,000 average of data
before 1970

Mid April to mid May is the best time for spring chinook fishing. July
and August are good for offshore salmon trolling and September through
December provides good coho fishing. Mid September to mid October marks the
peak fall chinook fishing. The Wilson and Trask Rivers are the most heavily
fished areas, although the Tillamook, Miami, and Kilchis Rivers are also
popular [58].

Boat landings on the estuary include the Garibaldi ramp at Garibaldi,
the Tillamook Bay County boat launch at the south end of t *he bay, the
Siskeyville Boat Slide on the Wilson River near mile 12, and the Tillamook
Marine Park on Hoquarten Slough near Tillamook [91,121]. Various aspects
of recreational boating, including (1) an Oregon State Marine Board Survey
of Oregon boating facilities (1971), (2) suggestions for futher development
for boat use; and (3) the 1971 number of small boat round-trip crossings
of Tillamook Bay, have been presented in the T.J. Murray reference [1201.

218

Tillamook Bay

The Wilson River Highway Forest Wayside on the Wilson River near
mile 20 and the Trask Guard Station (State Forestry) on the Trask River
at approximate river mile 18.5 are State Parks in the area. County Parks
include Barview Wayside on the north side of the estuary at the mouth,
Wilson River Wayside on the Wilson River at various points between miles
10 and 18, Kilchis on the Kilchis River at approximate river mile 7, and
Peninsula Park on the Trask River near mile 13.5 [91,121].

Table 13. Surveillance stations at Tillamook Bay.
type of _-_6a_meamd/or approximate drainage period of references
station 'identifying location area record
number (sq mi) -
climatological Bay,City Tillamook Bay; north 1896-1912 (89,90]
side; elevation--
14 feet

Tillamook Trask River; mile 2.5;
elevation--33 feet 1886*(1960) (8.9,90]
Tillamook Naval Trask River; mile 5.5; 1945-1948
Air Station elevation--45 feet
Tillamook 12 E; Trask River; mile 18.5; 1909-1912 [89,�0,92,1431
Tillamook 11 E; elevation--320 feet 1940-(1960)
Trask; USGS
#8504
Tillamook I W; elevation--10 feet 1889* [92P143.11
USGS #8494
stream gaging Trask River near Trask River; 145 7/31*000
Tillamook; mile 10.4
USGS #3025
2
Wilson River near Wilson River; 161 10/14*(1970) E8@,90,98,1401
Tillamook; mile 11.4
USGS #3015

North Fork Wilson Wilson River; 19.9 1913-1917 (89:1901
River near mile 8.5
Tillamook;
USGS #3020
DEQ water #1 temp. channel marker 45 2/60-(4/72) 3'
surveillance yards N, 15 yards E (92 measurements)
BW "A"

#2 temp. channel marker 50
yards N, 15 yds E BW
"B"
#3 pile--near covered 2/60-(4/72) it
jetty 70 yards S, (91 measurements)
10 yards E

#4 Dick Pt. Dike near North
End 145 yards S, 100
Yards E
#5 Memaloose Pt. 100 yards 2/60-(4/72)
N, 6 yards E/W (92 measurements)
#6 Pitcher Pt. 112 mile 2/60-5/72
E, 1/4 mile N (100 measurements)

219

Tillaniook Bay

Table 13. Surveillance stations at Tillamook Bay, cont.
type of name and/or approximate drainage period of references
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)
DEQ water #7 opposite Sandstone Pt. 2/60-(5/72) [67,68]3
surveillance 225 yards S, 1.59 (102 measurements)
miles W

#8 flashing green light 2/60-(5/72)
#17, 0.91 mile S (127 measurements)
500 yards W

#9 flashing light #19, 2/60-(4/72)
30 yards S, 100 (98 measurements)
yards W

#10 Hobsonville Point, 700
yards S, 340 yards E

#11 Sandstone Point, 100 6/62-(5/72)
yards N. 0.55 mile W (34 measurements)

#12 Dick Point Dike South .2/72-(4/72)
End, 30 yards S, 50 (11 measurements)
yards E

water quality Wilson River (mile 6.5) [89,90]

water Trask River near Trask River; 145 4/62-(9/68) (141]
temperature Tillamook mile 10.4

Wilson River Wilson River;
near - mile 11.4 161 1/47-(9/62) .[138]@
Tillamook

Wilson River (mile 6.8) 8/60 J89.901.

Precipitation data available in punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.
2Monthly and water-year runoff records have been compiled and are available in punch card
or printout form through the OSWRB.
3Data available in punch card or printout form through the DEQ; records are not complete
before 1966.
This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.
Period of record is not continuous.

220

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File No. 1.70246

221

UMPOUA BAY

223

STATE OF OREGON
DIVISION OF STATE LANDS

TIDELAND MAP OF

UMPQUA RIVER

JULY 1972
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UMPQUA BAY

General Description Of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

Located about 180 miles south of the Columbia River mouth, Umpqua Bay
ranks third in size of the estuaries. included here CTable A). Its largest
and only incorporated town is ReedspoTt. Table 1 lists the locations and
1970 census figures of this and other population centers in the area.

Table 1 Population centers at Umpqua Bayl [97,111.1.

name general location river mile approximate 1970
'distance from population
location
estualry mouth
(miles)

Winchester Bay Umpqua, River; south side 1.7 1.7 500
Gardiner Umpqua River; north side 9.0 9.0 500
Reedsport2 Umpqua River; south side 10.7 to 12.6 10.7 to 12.6 4,039
Murphys Camp Umpqua River 26.3 26.3 no winter
population
Scottsburg Umpqua River; north side 27.5 27.5 200
Greenacres Umpqua River 30.1 30.1 rural
East Gardiner Smith River 1.3 12.8 30
Frantz Smith River 2.7 14.2' no pop

lTidal effects extend approximately to mile 28 of the Umpqua River.
21ncorporated

Approximate surface area of the estuary is 6,430 acres of which
between 20% and 30% is tidelands, as shown in Table 2. These tidelands
are found mainly between the mouth and mile 14 (about 1 mile above Reedsport)..
Other estuary dimensions are given in Tables 3 and 4.

Table 2. Reported surface areas of U,mpqua Bay [55,59,711.

.reference surface area - measured at tidelands submerged Tands
(acres) acres percent acres percent
[5s] 6,749 kW
5,303 MSL
3,845 LW
[5.9] 5,712 1 1,548 27
[711 61830 MHT 1,531 22 5,298 78
5,298 MLT

ISpecified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal action.

225

Umpqua Bay

Table 3. Dimensions of Umpqua Bay [551.

distance from throat to
farthest estuary shore--13.5 miles

inlet dimensions at throat (at MSL):
width--1,980 feet
average depth--20 feet
cross-sectional area--33,000 sq ft

average lagoon depth below MSL--15 feet

Table 4. Cross-sectional areas of Umpqua Bay, 1962 [40].

Point of measurement Cross-sectional area
(river mile), (sq ft)l

0 22,000
3 30,500
7 14,925
8 28,800
11 5,840

I Taken perpendicular to the main channel
for water level at 0 feet above MLLW.

Umpqua Bay, in effect, consists of the lower reaches of the Umpqua.
River with the estuary mouth and zero river mile being the same point. The
major tributary to mile 28 (head of tidewater) is the Smith River at mile 11.5.
Mill Creek, at mile 24.2, is the next largest tributary within tidal effects,
and there are numerous smaller creeks. Lengths and drainage areas of these
three larger streams (the Umpqua and Smith Rivers 'and Mill Creek) are presented
in Table S.

Table.5. Lengths and drainage areas of Umpqua Bay tributaries [97,99].

stream length, drainage area
(miles) (sq mi)

Umpqua River 111.71 4,S60
Smith River 89.6 347
Mill Creek 22 135

1
To the confluence of the North Umpqua
River and the South Umpqua River

226

Umpqua Bay

At least two physical models have been made of Umpqua Bay--one through
Washington State University [40] and the other by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers 132]. The Washington State 'University model, completed some time
before August 1962 (publication date), was used

(1) to determine whether a highly distorted small
scale model could be made to operate satisfactorily;
and (2) to determine the pollution potential of
the Umpqua Estuary under certain outfall conditions [40].

The Corps of Engineers-model was used in a testing program in 1967 and 1968
at the Hydraulics division of the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment
Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. The purpose of the program was to

determine the optimum plan for the reduction of
shoaling and elimination of cross-currents in the
navigation channel at the entrance 132].

These studies have been described in detail in the references cited.

The port commission and industrial development corporation for the
area are located in Reedsport and Roseburg with addresses and phone
numbers as follows:

Port of Umpqua Umpqua Development Corp.
Reedsport, Oregon 97467 410 S.E. Spruce St.
271-3636 P.O. Box 1026
Roseburg, Oregon 97470
672-2648

Drainage Basin

The Umpqua River drainage basin.covers 4,560 sq mi and yields 6,700,000
ac-ft of fresh water annually with extremes of 12,000,000 ac-ft and 2,750,000
ac-ft [99]. Precipitation records are available from several climatological
stations in the basin (Table 13). The average annual rainfall ranges
from 25 to 110 inches with 50 to 110 in the Coastal Range, 25 to 50 inches
in the "Central Valley" (the area of the confluence of the North-and
South Umpqua Rivers), and 50 to 75 inches in the Cascade Mountains 199].
Average rainfall along the coast (western Douglas County) is 77 inches,
and the average air temperature there is 520F [58].

Elevations are from sea level to 3,000 feet in the Coast Range and 9,000
feet in the Cascade Range [99].

227

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The estuary is described as being'fully exposed to waves at the throat
[55]. Tidal effects extend up the Umpqua River as far as Scottsburg at
river mile 27.5 [99,126]. The.mean tide range is 5.1 feet, the diurnal
range 6.9 feet [551, and.the extreme range 11.0 feet (86]. Tidal prism
on mean range is 1.18 x 109 cu. ft with a diurnal range of 1.595 x 109
cu ft 1551.

River Discharges

Records kept between 1905 and 1970 at a stream gaging station (Table 13)
located on the Umpqua River at mile 56.8 where the drainage area is 3,683
sq mi (80% of the total basin) show an average discharge of 7,435 efs and
extremes of 265,000 cfs (December 23, 1964) and 640 cfs (July 18, 1926) 11401.
The average maximum andminimum daily flows at this same spot, but for the
14-year period between 1953 and 1967, were 125,000 cfs and 900 cfs 17].

There are numerous stream gaging stations in the Umpqua River system,
but the only other -major tributary for which records will be given here
is the Smith River, which has a-station located at mile 28.5 where the
drainage area is 206 sq mi (Table 13). The station has been in operation
since October 1965 and recorded an-average discharge between then and 1970
of 685 cfs with extremes of 26,700 cfs (January 3, 1966) and 4.3 cfs
(August 26,1966) [140].

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

In the study by Burt and McAllister, salinity measurements were
taken in the Umpqua River in June 1956, October 1957, and January, March,
and July 1958 [12]. Of these five times, maximum intrusion was found
on October 6, 1957 at HHW when it r.eached a point 16.7 miles from the
ocean at concentrations of 1.3 ppt on the surface and 1.5 ppt.on the
bottom (5 feet) with a concurrent temperature of 15.80C at both points.
Measurements beyond this were not reported.

1. More extensive salinity data were taken by R.J. Callaway through the
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, in
1961 [15,16,17].

Also, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers measured surface and bottom
salinity at miles I and 2 of the estuary in verifying its physical model
of Umpqua Bay 132]. The measurements were taken during 1966 on March 30-
31 and August 3-4. The greatest -range in concentration on the surface
was found during the March 30-31 period at-mile I where it ranged from
3 ppt to 26-.5 ppt. Fresh-water discharge at that ti-me was 17,000 cfs.
The greatest range on the bottom also occurred during March 30-31, but
at mile 2, and was from 5 ppt to 30 ppt.

228

Salinity, velocity and dissolved oxygen data were taken by Callaway
[15,16,171, who also observed the intrusion of low dissolved oxygen (<2 ppm)
due to upwelling.

The estuary as classified by Burt and McAllister on the basis of mixing
.was found to be a two-layered system in January and February; a partly-
mixed system in March, May, and October; and a well-mixed system in July
113].

Sediments

Net transport of-material along the coast near Umpqua Bay seems to be
to the south, and there is some erosion south of the south jetty 157].
Movement of sand sediments around the north jetty and into the,-estuary
during high tide has been, observed through aerial photographs [53]. Sediments
transported to the estuary from its drainage basin are estimated at
564,000 tons annually [85].

Analyses of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge samples taken at numerous
points within the estuary from November 1970 to August 1971 show the follow-
ing: (1) organic contents ranging from 0.91% to 3.27% (both samples were
taken in August 1971--the first from the east side between miles 5.30
and 5.50 and the second from the west side at Buoy #9); (2) void ratios
ranging from 0.772 (November 1970 at milepost 80-100 at Barretts upper dike)
to 0.967 (August 1971 from the west side at Buoy #9); and (3) mean grain
size that of fine sand [1241.

Water Quality Information

The DEQ operates seven water survei.llance stations in the estuary
for which records are available in punch card and printout form for about
25 sampling dates since 1957 [67,68]. Locations of these stations are
given in Table 13.

Sewage treatment facilities in the area consist of a new plant in
Reedsport and a new sanitary district in Gardiner which pumps-into the
.Reedsport plant. Plans are underway for construction of a plant in
Winchester Bay. The plant in Reedsport is a secondary treatment facility,
located on the south side of the Umpqua River between the Highway 101
bridge (mile 11.0) and the Southern Pacific Railroad bridge (mile 11.3).
Operating since September 1970, it serves the cities of Reedsport and
Gardiner. Daily flow averaged 725,000 gallons in September 1972 and 707,000.
gallons in October 1972 (both fairly dry-months); during rainy weather,
it peaks at 2,000,000gallons [63,97,110].

A water quality problem has a-risen from logging operations as well as
from sand and gravel and agricultural practices in the area. These activi-
ties all cause an increase in silt resulting in turbidity and (when high
enough in concentration) destruction of eggs in the spawning grounds

229

Biological Information

Estimated.numbeTs of adult anad-romous salmonids spawning in the Umpqua
and Smith Rivers and in the entire Umpqua River system are shown in Table 6.
.In comparison with the other estuarine river systems included in this
Table 6. Estimated numbers of adult anadromous salmonids spawnirfg in the
Umpqua River system

stream chino6k coho sea-run
spring fall Winter summer cutthroat
Umpqua River 0 2,200 15,000 10,500 0 8,000

Smith River 0 1,000 5,000 10,000 0 10,000

Umpqua River 12,600 5,000 25,000 40,000 12,000 30,000
system

report (Table B), the Umpqua has relatively high numbe rs of spring chinook,
steelhead (winter and summer), and sea-run cutthroat 179].

Salmon and trout provide good fishing, as do to-mcod, perch, striped
bass, and green and white sturgeon (in the upper bay). Dungeness crab and
soft shell clams are also commonly taken. The clams are found mainly in
the tidal flats n 'ear the northern bend of the estuary around mile 6.5
where near optimum conditions for them exist. Gaper clams are frequently
taken in Winchester Bay [38,79,155].

Scaup are found in the upper bay, and other ducks use the estuary in
the fall during migration. Band-tailed pigeons exist on the tidal-
flats [79,155].

The entire area around the estuary is considered a winter range
for big game, which, in order of abundance, include black-tailed deer,
Roosevelt elk, white-tailed deer, black bear, and cougar [79].

Physical Alterations

Completed and proposed alterations to the estuary by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers consist of three jetties, a-main channel to Reedsport
with a turning basin there, side channels (with turning basins) to Winchester
Bay and Gardiner; a channel in Scholfield Creek and one with a passing
basin in the Smith River. These have been summarized in Table 7... A s
of 1971 (publication date), consideration of the possibility of expanding
entrance and river 'channel dimensions was in the primary phase,meaning a
public meeting was to be scheduled 1129],

230

Umpqua Bay

Table 7. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Modifications to Umpqua Bay
[SSX1261129,13(@-46004J-28-1-

Proposed Dimensions
Modification Location depth width len@t-h Date and Status
(feet) (feet)

North Jetty Entrance 8,00b feet 1940-completed

South Jetty Entrance 4,200 feet 1938-extension completed
1963-rehabilitated

Training Jetty South Side 5,500 feet 1951-completed
of Entrance;
Mostly in-
side

Channel Entrance 26 26 feet completed

Channel Umpqua 22 200 11 miles 1941-completed
River
Uj from the
Entrance
C`:
to Reedsport
(2)
Turning Basin Reedsport 22 600 1,000 feet appears completed
(2)
Side Channel From Main 12 100 appears completed
Channel to
Docks at
Winchester
Bay
(2)
Mooring and Winchester 12 175 300 @appears completed,
Turning Basin Bay

Side Channel From Main 22 200 appears at least partially
Channel to completed(2)
Gardiner

Turning Basin Gardiner 22 500 800

Channel Scholfield 12 100 2 miles 1971 (publication date)-
Creek- "Inactive"
from its
confluence
with the
Umpqua River

Channel Smith River 6 100 16 miles 1957-completed
C-)
Mouth to
C) North Fork

Passing Basin Near North 1957-completed
LU
Fork (mile 16)

Channel Smith River 4 75 5 miles
From North
Fork to
Sulphur
Springs

Lack of completion date does not necessarily m@an that the modification has
not been constructed.
20bserved on USCGS chart #6004 (August 15, 1970).

231

The channel systems have been maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and by private contractors. Corps of Engineers,records of dredging
activities in the entrance channel from 1959 to 1969 Ce:)ccl-uding 1968) show
the 270,151 cu yds removed in 1964 to be a fairly typical amount J50,55].
Private contractors have performed hydraulic dredging in the Smith River
near Otter Slough (mile 4.4) and have spoiled either on high land behind
water-tight berm Or on the beach as nourishment 150].

Navigation is possible to-mile 30.0 of the Umpqua River, mile, 20.0
of the Smith River, mile 1.0 of the North Fork Umpqua River, and mile
6.0 of Scholfield Creek [69].

Traffic through the Umpqua River project in 1969 weighed 505,000 tons
and consisted of about 50% rafted logs; "less than 50V sand, gravel, and
crushed rock;-and 13% fuel oil and lumber shipments. Between 1960 and
1969 traffic averaged 810,000 tons annually. On the Smith River project
rafted logs constituted about 90% of the traffic during 1969 with sand,
gravel, and crushed rock accounting for the remaining 10%. Total traffic
using the Smith River project.during the year (1969) was 302,000 tons,
which was considerably lower than the annual average (from 1960 to 1969)
of 457,000 tons .[129].

"An Inventory of Filled Lands in Umpqua River Estuary, June 1972"
has been prepared by the Division of State Lands [69]. According to
the report, there are 106.04 acres of landfills on submerged and submersible
lands of the estuary. Of that total, 78.73 acres have been used to con-
struct the marina and harbor in Winchester Bay, and most of the remaining
acres are all marine oriented. Some information from that report is given
in Table C, but more details (e.g *, location and ownership of filled
lands) can be obtained from the report itself.

A rearing pond (Camp Creek rearing pond) was constructed 21 -miles east
of Reedsport in 1963 under the FCO "Coastal 60-40 Program" [119].

The OSGC operates the Rock Creek hatchery on the North Umpqua River
near the town of Idleyld Park which is almost 148 miles from the estuary
mouth [56]. Releases from,the hatchery totaled 956,598 during 1970
and consisted of 726,994 rainbow-trout, 182,914 spring chinook, and
46,690 summer steelhead [80].
Estuary Uses

Industrial and.Commercial

The economy of the estuary area depends mainly on timbe-r and fish
resources, although tourism is also important, as are sand and gravel
operations and dairying to some extent. In the Smith and Umpqua River
valleys there is some farming and -ranching based on cattle and sheep
raising 158,99,110].

As can be seen from the listing of the aTeals-manufacturers given in
Table 8, paper, plywood, and lumber-mills 'there are numerous [58,71].
Not listed in Table 8 is the Bohemia Lumber Co. operation now (October 1972)

232

uHinqua bay

Table 8. Major Manufacturers at Umpqua Bay [71].

Location Name Type of Business Number
Employed

Winchester Winchester Bay seafood and minkfood 300
Bay Seafood Co.

Salmon Harbor canning seafood 5
Seafood Inc.

Sportsmens Cannery salmon processing 5

Gardiner International Paper plywood and lumber/chips 650
Co.

Gardiner Paper Mill paper products 250

Reedsport Whitcomb Logging Co. contract logger 75

U.S. Plywood fir veneer 50

Reedsport Mill Co. lumber 50

G and C Logging Co. l.ogging 28

12 manufacturers half deal in lumber and.wood
employing less products and the remaining 6 in
than 10 cheese and butter; newspaper and
commercial printing; perfume;
concrete building blocks; machine
shop and welding; pick-up tops
and campers

under construction between Reedsport and Gardiner [110]. Statistics
of waterborne traffic through the Umpqua.and Smith River projects,
presented in more detail under "Physical Alterations," give [email protected]
of the extent of timber-related activities in the area. For example@
in 1969 rafted logs accounted for 50% of the 505,000 tons using the Umpqua
River Projectand 90% of the 302,000 tons using the Sinith River project
[129].

Commercial fishing in the area is based at Winchester Bay where the
major industry is the Winchester Bay Seafood Co., which processes a
variety of fish, crab,-and shrimp 158,1551. Commercial harvest from the
estuary and its tributaries consists mainly of shad and striped bass
and some crabs and clams. Statistics are presented in Table 9 [20,118].
Commercial landings from the entire area, shown in Table 10, are high
in comparison with landings received at other estuarine ports as shown
in Tables D and E.

The Umpqua River Navigation Co. maintains an e_xtensive sand and gravel
operation with headquarters in Reedsport [58]. Its floating gravel plant
is used to dredge, crush, and process river run gravel. The company has
removed over 4,216,000 cu yds of gravel from the Umpqua River since 1949
with an annual average (between 1965 and 1970) of 239,868 cu yds 1261.

233

Umpqua Bay

Table 9. Commercial Harvest of Shad, Striped Bass. Crabs, and Clams at
Umpqua Bay, 1969, 1970, and 1971 T20,1181.

Species 1969 1970 1971
pounds fishermen pounds Ti @shemen 'Pounds fishermen
landed value landed value landed value

Shad(') 374,000 $40,000 394,018 $52,000 246,96-8 $34,000

Stripe
Bassl') 19,481 3,000 35,473 6,000 56,321 9,000
Crabs(2) 23,049 2,417 700(3)
Clams(2) 9,384 10,631 7,459 11000

ISource of reference C20].; data for the Umpqua River system.
2SOurce of reference[118]; data for Umpqua Bay.
3Determined as a percentage of the total value of crab landings given in Table 10.

Table 10. Commercial Harvest of FrI Fish Received
at Winchester Bay, 1.971 [34].-

Species Harvest
(pounds round fishermen
weight) value

Groundfish 4,561,702 $375,000
Crabs 809,070 283,000
Coho 781,611 245,000
Shad 246,968 34,000
Shrimp .81,330 10,000
Striped Bass 56,321 91000
Chinook 26,377 15,000
Albacore Tuna 13,766 4,000
Clams 7,459 1,000
Smelt 5,976 2,000
Pinks 1,580
Green Sturgeon 50
Totals 6,592,210 T978,000

lIncludes data presented in Table 9.

234

Umpqua Bay

A study to determine the extent of replenishment of the removed gravel was!
completed by CH2M/Hill in June 1971 126]. Use of the channel systems
-for transport of sand, gravel, and-rock, as described -under "Physical
Alterations" has been especially extensive on the Umpqua River 1881.

Recreational

As with commercial fishing, Winchester Bay also serves as the center
for the sport fishing, having numerous facilities, docks, and -marinas
for all types of boats. Facilities for salmon angling are provided at
Salmon Harbor on the bay where coho and chinook can be caught from June
through September. Salmon fishing on the Umpqua River is good from its
mouth to the dam at Winchester located at-mile 7.0 of the North Umpqua
River or 118.7 miles from the ocean. Chinook can be taken from the river
from mid March through June, and coho enter it after the fall rains and
provide their best angling in the sections near the towns of Scottsburg
at mile 27.S and Umpqua atmile 102.7 IS8,97j.

Species other than salmon and trout-most commonly caught by sports-
men at Umpqua Bay, as determined in the FCO study from March to October
1971, include tomcod, redtail perch,-and shiner perch by shore angling;
striped bass ' (caught 'mainly in the upper bay), dungeness crab, and relatively
few redtail perch by boat angling; and softshells by clamming 138]. The
softshell clams are found mostly in the tidal flats near the northern
bend in the estuary (approximate river-mile 5) where near optimum conditions
for them exist [155].@ Additional species commonly taken include green
and white sturgeon, shad, and gaper clams. The sturgeon are caught primarily
in the upper bay and the gaper clams in Winchester Bay 179,155]. Annual har-
vest data for some of the above-mentioned fish are given in Table 11.

Table-11. Estimated Annual Harvest Data For Sport Fishing at Umpqua
Bay(l) [791.

Species area annual harvest effort gross
fished (total number) (angler-days) expenditures

Salmon Estuary 3,000 7,500 $ 222,000
Umpqua River 13,000 52,000 962,000
Smith River 500 2,000 37,000
Ocean 57,000 50,000 4,255,000

Steelhead Umpqua River 8,000 32,000 592,000
Smith River 1,300 5,200 96,000

Shad Umpqua Basin 2,750 1,500 27,750

Striped Bass Umpqua Basin 5,000 12,000 222,000

Sturgeon Umpqua Basin 600 2,000 12,000

Bay fish Umpqua Basin 60,000 10,000 60,000

lAverage of data from past years.

235

Umpqua Bay

The band-tailed pigeons found on the tidal flats reportedly provide
excellent shooting 1791.

The Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is located 5-miles south of Reedsport
near the estuary-mouth, and there is another state park (Umpqua Wayside)
on the Umpqua River near -mile 23. The former has day-use and camping
facilities while the latter is for day-visiters only. Attendance figures
show that, while camper use at Umpqua Lighthouse has been fairly constant
since 1966, the number.of day visitors has dropped nearly 90%. The
situation at Umpqua Wayside has been an increase in use from 1966 to
1968 followed by a -rapid decrease. Some attendance figures for the two
parks are given in Table 12.158,82,83]. Windy Cave Park, which is a
Douglas County campground, is-located at Sal-mon Harbor 158].

Table 12. Umpqua Lighthouse and Umpqua Wayside Annual Attendance 182,831.

Park Users Umpqua Lighthouse Umpqua Wayside
1966 1970 1966 1968 1970

day visitors 478,166 48,367 88,632 111,380 38,264
camper mights 24,637 24,690 - - -

236

Umpqua Bay

Table.13. Surveillance stations at Umpqua Bay.
type of name and/or approximate drainage period of ri-f-erences
station identifying location area record
number (sq mi)
climatological Gardiner; USGS elevation--15 feet 1889-1914 (92]1
#9940

Reedsport; USGS elevation--94 feet 1937*
#7082
Elkton 3 SW; elevation--114 feet 1937* 0211
USGS #2633
Elkton 4 S; USGS elevation--170 feet 1950*1956 p.42, 901@
#2637

Gunter Smith River 1940*

stream gaging Umpqua River at Umpqua River; 4,095 1966-
Scottsburg; mile 30
USGS #3229
Umpqua River Umpqua River; 3,683 10/05-(1970) L@8,99,1401 2
near Elkton; mile 56.8
USGS #3210
Smith River Smith River; 206 1966-0970) [-98,1.40]2
near Gardiner; mile 28.5
USGS #3231
DEQ water #1 red buoy #6 5/57-(4/72) [6.7,681 3
surveillance (25 measurements)
#2 Double Cove Point

#3 4 mile green light

#4 red buoy #20

#5 Highway 101 bridge It It

#6 1 mile up Smith It to
River

#7 1 mile east of
railroad bridge
water quality Umpqua River Umpqua River; 3,683 12/65--(9/68) (141]
near Elkton mile 56.8 0 sample
monthly)
water 6/47-0968) "[138,141]
temperature

Precipitation data available in punch card or printout form through the OSWRB.
2`4onthly and water-year runoff records have been compiled and are available in punch card
or printout form throuqh the OSWRB.
3Data available in punch card or printout form through the DEQ.
This is the most recent record date found and is not necessarily the last.
Period of record is not continuous.

237

238

WINCHUCK RIVER

239

Lu
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4663

T. 40 S.
4662
"Ml

4660
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4659
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46
58

4657
\7

46 55 n

4654
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4653
v

T. 41 S.

x
15000t -22
Ef
Bm,63
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400
4651 o -
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CRIS
42'00, 13@7 R. 13 W. 1398 990 000 PLEETI 2! 2%
124ol5l
21\ I'-,: -IT
CRESCENT CITY 20 MI. NIA (CRESCE
C) 21ft

240

WINCHUCK RIVER

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

The Winchuck River Estuary lies approximately 294 miles south of
the Columbia River mouth and 1/2 mile north of the Oregon-California
state line. It is the smallest estuary in terms of surface area of
those included in this report. The population in the area is rural,
the closest communities being Harbor and Brookings, Oregonwhich..
are 2 miles to the north,(see Chetco River, Estuary for populations-of.
these communities).

The HW surface area of the estuary as estimated from 1973 EROS
Data Center aerial photographs is 130 acres [135].

The average annual yield of the Winchuck River is 62,400 ac-ft.
Minimum recorded flow was in September, 1934 when 3 cfs was recorded
for the Winchuck River above the mouth of the South Fork.

The Winchuck River source is at river mile 8 of the East Fork
(approximately 20 river miles from the mouth) at elevation 1,920 feet
[93,96].

Average wind direction in the vacinity of Brookings, Oregon during
the period from 1937 to 1942 was as follows: November, December, Jan-
uary, February, and MaTch--northeast; April, May, and June--northwest;
July and August--south; Sepiember--northwest; October--north [7].

Drainage Basin

The Winthuck River drains a total basin area of 70 sq. miles. The
Winchuck River Basin consists primarily of woodlands (95.2%; 36,372 acres),
cropland (1.4%; 538 acres), and pasture [2.6%; 990 acres).. As of January,
1963, the-Winchuck River had no existing storage ponds or reservoirs,
with 3 possible reservoir sites being studied [93].

The average annual precipitation ranges from 80 inches at the mouth
of the Winchuck River to 105 inches in the upper reaches.

The only climatological station near the Winchuck River estuary is
the Brookings station which has precipitation and temperature data from
1912 to the present.

The Winchuck River has a length of 12.0 miles, the East Fork having
a length of 8.0 miles. The elevation drop from source to mouth is 160
feet for the Winchuck River and 1,760 feet for the East Fork Winchuck
River. The average gradient for the Winchuck River'is 13 feet per mile
and 230 feet per mile for the East Fork [93,96].

Winchuck River stream profile appears on page 43 in the Chetco
River Basin section.

241

WINCRUCK RIVER

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

According to the U.S. Geological Survey the average range of the
tide is approximately 5 feet [1441.

River Discharges

Stream flow records are available from the USGS stream gaging
station on the Winchuck River above the South Fork near Harbor. The
station is discontinued, but spot observations were taken in 1935,
1936, and 1949-1952. Stream flow averages and extremes appear in
Table 1 [148].

Table 1. Stream Gaging Data [148].

Stream Location Drainage Complete Flowrate (cfs)
area water years
(sq. mi,. of record max. min. mean

Winchuck T415, R13W --- 13.7 5.4 10.6
River Sec. 24

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

Salinity profiles as a function of depth and distance from the
mouth of the -river are presented in Table 2. Data was taken or, August
23, 1973 during a high tide of +4.8 feet 187].

Sediments

From Brookings south the coast is flat., with some beach, and the
upland is agricultural withmany farms to the Oregon-California border.

According to the National Shoreline Study by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (Aug., 1971), the shoreline from the Chetco River Estuary
to the Oregon-California border is experiencing no erosion [125].

The-generalized sediment yield for the Winchuck River basin is
0.1 to 0,.2 ac-ft per sq. mile per year [23]..

242

WINCHUCK RIVER

Table 2. Salinity Values for the Winchuck
River Estuary. Aug. 23, 1973 [871.

Station Distance Salinity % Depth
from (ft.)
mouth
(mi.) top bottom

1 0.1 12.3 12.3 1

2 0.2 2.0 10.4 6

3 0.3 2.4 .:6.6 6

4 0.4 2.4 10.4 6

5 0.5 2.5 9.0 3

6 0.6 3.0 10.4 3.5

7 0.8 4.3 10.4 4.5

8 1.0 6.6 6.6. 3

9 1.2 0.2 0.2 0.5

Water Quality Information

Miscellaneous flow and temperature measurements for the basin
were made by the Oregon State Game Commission. Temperature ranges-.
from these sources are presented in Table 3 t78].

DEQ water quality stations are listed in Table S.

Biological Information

Estimates of the number of adult anadromous salmonids spawning
in the Winchuck Riversystem are as follows: spring chinook-7none,
fall chinook--400; coho--50, steelhead--1,500 and sea-run cutthroat--
1,500.

Dace, cottids, red-sided shiners, sticklebacks, lamprey, and
suckers are the known rough fish species in the stream systems of the
South Coast Basin.

243

WINCHUCK RIVER

Table 3. Temperature Extremes for the
Winchuck River Drainage Basin [78].
VO int 6f Period-of Observed Temperature.Extremes
measurement record (FO)

max min. tXpe of observation

Winchuck River 4-10-69 to 70 55 spot
below Moser Cr. 7-23,69.

Winchuck River S-8-69 to 70 56 spot
above Bear Cr. 7-23-69

Bear Creek 4-10-69 to 63 49 spot
below Bridge Cr. 7-23-69

Wheeler Cr. 4-10-69 to 68 S2- spot
100 yds. above 7-23-69
mouth

East Fork 4-10-69 to 70 S2 spot
Winchuck River 7-23-.69
mouth

East.Fork 4-10-69 to 66 so spot
Winchuck River 7-23-69
above.Fourth
of July Creek-

fourth of July 4-10-69 to 67 52 spot
Creek mouth 7-23-69

Biological Information.

The streams in this basin are noted for their excellent spawning
gravel. The Winchuck River system has 6 streams used by adult
anadromous salmonids, S of which have minimum flow recommendations
established and 1 protected by the State Water Resources Board. The
entire stream of Bear Creek (Winchuck R.) should be protected from
gravel removal [781.

Table 4 refers t,-- the estimated sport harvest in the Winchuck
River system.

Figure I is aperiodicity chart showing when adult spawning
anadromous.fish are present in the Winchuck River system.

A general description of big game, upland game, waterfowl, and
furbearers of the basin is given in the Sixes River section on
Biological Information.

244

WINCHIRCK RIVER

Figure 1. Periodicity Chart for Adult Spawning
Anadromous Fish in the Winchuck River System [78].

Chinook Salmon

Coho Salmon -----------------------

Steelhead and
Cutthroat trout

Stream Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. &pril May

Winchuck River ..................
..................

Bear Creek

Wheeler Creek

Winchuck River, East Fork

Fourth of July Creek

Physical Alterations

The only physical alteration near the estuary is the Oregon Coast
Highway Bridge (U.S. 101), at river mile 0.6 [96].

245

WINCHUCK RIVER

Table 4. Estimated Annual Harvest, Ang;er.
Days, and Gross Exp6nditures for Angling in
the Winchuck River System E78].

Fish Harvest Angler Gross
Days Expenditures

Salmon 450 1,800 $33,300

Steelhead 350 1,400 25,900
Sea-run 200 80- -1,480
Cutthroat

TOTALS 3,280 $60,680

Includes jack salmon

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

The only industrial or commercial use of the Winchuck River is for
the pupose of irrigation. The average annual yield for the river is
621,400 ac-ft. The maximum legal annual. depletion consumptive rights
are 120 ac-ft for domestic purposes and 450 ac-ft for irrigation
purposes totalling 570 ac-ft. The river has one reservoir right for
irrigation purposes with a storage capacity of 1 ac-foot and a surface
area of 1 acre. Surface water rights total 1.55 cfs for domestic and
irrigation use [42].

The nearest population centers are Harbor and Brookings. Manu-
facturers for these areas are listed in Table 3 of the Chetco Bay
report.

Recreation

The Pacific Ocean is the principal attraction of the basin. Sport
fishing at Brookings to the north is becoming increasingly popular.
Fishing in the Winchuck River system is also quite common while the
forested areas in the upper basin provide excellent hunting.

Parts of the Winchuck River flow through the Siskiyou National
Forest in both Oregon and California. Several streams in the basin
have outstanding aesthetic value and make a significant contribution
simply because they maintain attractive flows, have litte stieamside
development, and possess watersheds which have not been excessively.
logged. The entire Winchuck River was selected by the Oregon State
Game Commission as a stream.which should be managed for its aesthetic
value [761.

246

WINCHUCK RIVER

Table S. Surveillance Stations
near the Winchuck River.

Type of Name and/ or Approximate Drainage Period Reference
station identifying location area of
number (sq.mi.) record

Climatological Brookings T145, R13W --- 1912 [931
(formerly Sec. 7 to
Harbor) present

Water Quality Winchuck T415, R13W [152]
River 1.3 Sec. 24
mi. above river mile 2.5
Hwy. 10 1,
Bridge

Stream Gaging Winchuck T415, R13W 1935, 1936 [148]
River above Sec. 24 1949-19S2
S.Fk. near
Harbor

247

248

YAQUINA BAY

249

Nrwpaqr

-N-
YA04VINA

BAY MLEDO

OREGON

Ro
C

z8
z5 5o

RIVER

M"" GaVA2M LO""'o o"mx soow@ 34
@= COMM
@-MMXAOW AM@ AXEVA or 4s" wAnw 55 3z
AWAN H&W WAr"

M& AND MAP ------
OF
rAOU11VA BAr 4-
SWE OF OREGON
DIVISION OF SWE LANDS
SEPMUBER 1972

YAQUINA BAY

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

Yaquina Bay lies about 115 miles south of the mouth of the Columbia
River. Of the estuaries included here, it is,fourth in size (Table A).
The only incorporated towns on the estuary itself are Newport and Toledo,
which are listed in Table 1 with other population centers in the area.
There is also a U.S. Coast Guard Station on the north side of the Yaquina
River at,mile 1.2.
Table 1. Population centers at Yaquina Bayl [94,1111.
@name. general location river mile 1970
location--@ population
Newport2 Yaquina River; north side 0.7 to 1.8 5,188
"South Beach Yaquina River; south side 2.5 300
Yaquina, YaquinA River; north side 4.3 50
Winant Yaquina River; north side 6.8 not listed
Oysterville Yaquina River; south side 6.8 not. listed
Moody Yaquina River; north side 11.2 rural
Toled02 @Yaquina River; north s.ide 12.2 to 13.5 .2,818
Elk City Yaquina River; south side 22.2 25
Pioneer Yaquina River; north side 25.0 .@not listed
Chitwood Yaquina River; north side 30.9' rural.

lTidal effects extend approximately to mil.e 26 of the Yaquina River.
21ncorporated

Surface areas of Yaquina Bay reported by Johnson [55], Marriage [59],
and the Division of State Lands [70] are shown in Table 2. Tidelands.

Table 2. Reported surface areas of Yaquina Bay

reference surface area measured at tidelands submerged lands
(acres) acres percent acres percent

4' 233 HW
3:239 MSL
2,245 LW

1@91 2,853 1,751 61

3,910 MHT 1,353 35 2,557 65
2,557 MLT

'Specified by Marriage as the area affected by tidal action.

251

Yaquina Bay

(also given in Table 2) cover between 3S% and 61% of the total area and
are mostly within three tide flats at Sally's Bend,-King's Slough, and
the area between Idaho Point and the Marine Science Center [59,69,70].
Other estuary dimensions are given in Tables 3 and 4.

Table 3. Dimensions of Yaquina Bay [551.

distance from throat to
farthest estuary shore--6.7 miles

inlet dimensions at throat (at M.SW:
width-.-1,000 feet
average depth-719-6 feet
cross-sectional area--19,610 sq ft

Table 4. Cross-sectional areas of Yaquina Bay [431.
point of.measurement distance from, mouth cross-sectional area
(miles)l (sq ft)
Newport 1.9 35,000
river's bend 5.5 20,600
G. P. dock 10.7 81900
Mill Creek 15.2 3,700
Elk City 22.4 1,200,

IMile values were obtained by conversion from the di-sterrns'*
reported in feet.

The estuary is comprised primarily of its major tributary, the Yaquina
River, which has its.zero mile at the mouth of the bay. The river drains
253 sq mi and is relatively short with a length of 58.8 miles to its
source. From its mouth to the head of high tide at mile 26, it has one
major tributary (Elk Creek at mile 22.3) and about 30 smaller creeks
and sloughs discharging into it. Elk Creek is 29.7 miles in length and
drains 136 sq mi [88-map, 94].

Information concerning land use and ownership at Yaquina Bay has been
presented in "Preliminary Land Use Plan for the Yaquina Bay Area" (1969)
prepared by the Bureau of Government Resea-fth'and Service, University of
Oregon for the Yaquina Bay Planning Commission [122]. Much of the material
from that publication has been included here.

Two port commissions serve the area. The Port of Newport (P.O. Box 921,
.Newport 97365; 265-7758) is responsible for that section of the estuary
from its mouth to just beyond Oneatta Point at mile 5.S. The remaining

252

Yaquina Bay

navigable portion of the Yaquina River is under the jurisdiction of the
Port of Toledo (P.O. Box 370, Toledo; 336-2221 and 336-2552). The Lincoln
Development Corporation is located at #2 Dodd Building, 155 East Olive St.,
Newport 97365; 265-2271.

A relatively large number of scientific studies have been conducted
in Yaquina Bay, and reports may be available at the Oregon State University
Marine Science Center at Newport.

Drainage Basin

The 253 sq mi drainage basin yields an average of 780,000 ac-ft of
fresh water annually [53,85,891. It consists of 87% (222 sq mi) forests;
4% (9 sq mi) cropland; 2% (4 sq mi) rangeland; and 7%-(18 sq mi) "other"
[88].

Annual rainfall averages from 60 inches along the coast to 100 to
110 inches in the eastern portions [53,5S]. Precipitation records from
the Newport climatological station (Table 10)are available through the
OSWRB in punch card or printout form [92,143], and wind roses are also
available for that area. Winds are primarily from the east and southeast
during January and from the west and northwest during June [7].

Elevations range from sea level to 2,300 feet [88].

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The bay is described as being moderately exposed to waves at the
throat [88]. Tidal influences extend as far as mile 26 of Yaquina River
and "several miles" up Elk Creek [43,88]. The mean tide range is 5.9
feet with a diurnal range of 7.9 feet [SS] and an8extreme range of 11.5
feet [86]. Tidal ism on mean range is 8.35 x 10 cu ft with a diurnal
p@
range of 11.5 x 10 cu ft [55].

In a study by Goodwin, it was found that (1) amplification of the
entrance tidal range occurs throughout the estuary and (2) a phase dif-
ference of 90 to 100 degrees exists between tidal elevations and tidal
currents [431. A calibrated numerical tidal hydraulic model of the
Yaquina has been provided by Goodwin [42].

Currents off Newport are quite variable and reportedly exhibit the
characteristics of a large eddy [7].

253

Yaquina Bay

River Discharges

There are apparently no stream gaging stations on the Yaquina River
(at least no records were found), but its normal flow rate has been esti-
mated at 1,078 cfs [86]. Mill Creek, which flows into the Yaquina River
from the south at mile 14.9, has a stream gaging station near its mouth
where the drainage area is about 4 sq mi (Table 10). Average discharge
for the 11-year period from October 1959 to October 1970 was 2.10 cfs with
extremes of 609 cfs (January 27, 196S) and 0 (September and October 1961
and September 1962) [140].

Salinity and Classification by Mixing

In the study by Burt and McAllister, salinity measurements were
taken in the Yaquina River during October, November, December 1957 and
January, February, April, May, July 1958 for a total of 11 test dates [12].
The furthest point from the estuary mouth where salinity was detected was
mile 19.8 on October 1 and 27, 1957 and on July 7, 1958 at HHW. Of these
three dates, concentration was greatest on October 1, 1957 when it was
measured at 3.0 ppt on the surface with a.concurrent temperature of 18.20C.

Burt and McAllister also reported that, on the basis of salinity.
change from top to bottom, the estuary was a well-mixed system in January,
August, October, and November and a partly-mixed system in February,
April, and May [13].

Surface and bottom salinity and temperature are provided for two loca-
tions over the period January 1963 through August 1970 [371.

A steady state m'odel which used salinity data for a description of mixing
was employed by Burt and Marriage to compute potential pollution in the Ya-
quina [111. Methods of computing mixing from salinity data were examined
by Bella and Grenney [6].

Callaway, et al., [18] observed the longitudinal distribution of salinity,
rainfall, and runoff in the Yaquina and demonstrated a rapid decrease in
salinity in response to runoff followed by a gradual increase after termination
of the runoff input. A more rigorous classification scheme 1471 is discussed
by.Callaway [14] and applied to the Yaquina Estuary above Toledo.

Sediments

Littoral drift in this area is northward in winter and southward
in summer with the dominant drift to the north 17]. Drift from both
directions either accumulates on-the south beach or enters the.estuary
with the tides; there is little accretion occurring at the north jetty
[57]. Sediments deposited in the bay each year by its tributaries total
an estimated 30,000 tons f85].

2S4

Yaquina Bay

More information on the sediments there is given in a pub @!@ ation
by Kulm and Byrne entitled "Sediments of Yaquina Bay, Oregon."

Analyses of dredge samples taken from the entrance channel by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers once in 1958, 1964, and 1970 and twice in
1971 show organic contents ranging from 0.49% (May 1971) to 0.79% (September
1970); void ratios of from 0.5761 (May 1971) to 0.749 (September 1964);
and a mean grain size that of fine sand [24].

Water Quality

The DEQ operates 22 water surveillance stations on Yaquina Bay and
eight on various sloughs in the area (Table 10) [67,68]. Records. from
most of the bay stations are available since 1960 with the number of.
sampling dates ranging from 21 to 93. Turbidity, conductivity, DO, BOD,
salinity, PBI, and fecal-coliform counts were not always included before
1967. Records from the stations on the sloughs were generally kept
from 1967 to 1968 with seven to eleven sampling dates.

A water temperature station is located on Mill Creek near Toledo
(Table 10) [138]. Temperatures from November 1959 to September 1969 have
been presented as the adjusted average for each month and have ranged from
40C (January, February, March) to 12'C (August).

The city of Newport operates a secondary sewage treatment plant
located on NW 3rd off highway 101 [64]. It presently serves the Newport
population; future plans are to include service for the Marine Science
Center and some condominiums. Average daily flow at the plant during
October 1972 (relatively dry weather) was 900,000 gallons. During rainy
weather it range's from 3 to 5 million gallons.

The city of Toledo also operates a secondary sewage treatment plant
[48]. Serving Toledo only, its average flow rate is 750,000 to 800,000
gal/day. It is located at Butler Road and South Fir Street, an area where
Georgia Pacific also has a secondary treatment plant [1091.

Dissolved oxygen, temperature salinity, and zooplankton populations are,
provided from January 1963 through August 1970 within Yaquina Bay 137].

The main pollution sources of Yaquina Bay are reportedly at Toledo
[29].

1 Kulm, L.D. and Byrne, J.V., "Sediments of Yaquina Bay, Oregon,"
Estuaries, American Association For the Advancement of Science, 1967.

255

Yaquina Bay

Biological Information

Estimates of adult anadromous salmonids spawning in the Yaquina River
system are as follows: spring chinook-4, fall chinook--2,100,
coho--12,600, summer steelhead--O, winter steelhead--2,300, sea-run
cutthroat-7,500 [75]. Compared with estimates for other estuarine river
systems of Oregon (Table B), these are notably low.

From a list of the fishes of Yaquina Bay, those considered as
most abundant include threespine stickleback, striped seaperch, black
rockfish, bocaccio, kelp greenling, Ling cod, prickly sculpin, buffalo
sculpin, staghorn sculpin, saddleback gunnel, English sole, and starry
flounder. Frequently found clams are cockle, softshells, and gaper--
the softshells existing mainly in the upper reaches of the bay and the
other two in the lower sections. There are some butter and leatherneck
clams in the middle reaches and crabs and oysters are also present
[38,53,155].

A study was made during 1971 and 1972 in which invertebrates
were counted and identified between marker buoy 36 and a point 1.5 miles
above marker bouy 47 [154]. Those most often found at given times are as
follows:

July-August
1. Amphisamytha bioculata
2. Carophium spinicorne
3. Mya arenaria

August-September
1. C. spinicorne
2. Pseudopolydarna kempi
3. M. arenaria

December
1. Macoma
2. C. spinicorne
3. Balanu5 amplitrite

April
1. Macoma
2. C..spinicorne

The bay is used during migration and wintering by black brant, several
species of ducks, and shore birds t155]. The area around it is a big game
winter range--most commonly for black-tailed deer, and to a lesser degree
for Roosevelt Elk, black bear, and cougar. Roosevelt Elk are now being
transplanted to the Mid-Coast Basin by the OSGC and are increasing in
number [75].

2S6

Yaquina Bay

Zooplankton populati ons and temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen
were collected from January 1963 to August 1970 at close to weekly intervals
within Yaquina Bay. The data permits study of year to year variation of
abundance and seasonal cycle over 7 1/2years and can aid in distribution
patterns within the Bay [37].

A much more thorough description of the fish and wildlife of Yaqui na
Bay is given in a special report published in 1968 by the U.S. Department
of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service [137].

Physical Alterations

Alterations to Yaquina Bay, Harbor and River by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, listed in Table 5, consist of two jetties, channels, and turning
and small boat basins. Also, studies were in progress as of 1971 to
(1) determine the feasibility of,deepening the channel between Yaquina and
Toledo and (2) consider a potential small boat basin project on the south
side of Yaquina Bay [129].

Corps of Engineers records of dredging the entrance bar, inner channel,
and Depot Slough from 19S9 to 1969 (excluding 1968) show 247,737 cu yds
as being fairly typical of quantities removed [55]. That amount was taken
from the entrance bar and inner channel in 1962. Navigable length of the
Yaquina River is 23 miles [69].

Annual traffic using the channel system during the period from 1960
to 1969 averaged 5@6,000 tons (Yaquina River) and 349,000 tons (Yaquina
Bay and Harbor). In 1969, traffic through the Yaquina River project
totaled 358,000 tons and consisted mainly (67%) of rafted logs, followed
by lumber, fuel oil, and wastes. Traffic through the bay and harbor project
was 133,000 tons (Mainly lumber, paper and paperboard, and petroleum
products) [129].

The Division of State Lands has completed its inventory of1filled
lands in Yaquina Bay and River and has presented its findings in a main
report and a supplement to that report [69]. Some information from
those 2 papers is given in Table C of the introduction.

Two fishways were completed in 1962 under the FCO "Coastal 60-40
Program." One is the Sloop Creek Fishway located 3 miles above,Elk@City,
or approximately at mile 25, and the other is the Little Elk Creek Fishway
at mile 28.2 [119].

257

Yaquina Bay

Table 5. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Modifications to Yaquina Bay r122,1.28,129].

Proposed Dimensions
Modification Location depth width length Date and Status
(feet) (feet)

North Jetty 6,500 feet 1896-completed
1934-repaired
1940-extended
1966-repaired and
C.)
W extended

South Jetty 7,600 feet 1896-completed
1934-repaired.
C@ 1971-extended to the
ca
W
same length as the
North Jetty
Cz
Spur Jetty and Channel Side 800 feet
5 groins of South
ca Jetty

Entrance Channel Entrance 40 400 1968-dredging completed
cy
>_ Channel Bay (to 30 300 1968-dredging completed
Newport)

Turning Basin Newport 30 900-1,200 1,400 feet 1968-dredging completed

Small Boat -Newport 1949-completed
Basin -

Channel Newport to 18 200 4.5 miles 1968-dredging completed
Yaquina

Channel Yaquina to 10 150 10 miles 1914-completed
Toledo

C> Channel Depot 200 1914-completed
Q_ Creek(2)

LU
Channel Near 011fla 10 150 1968-completed
Creek

Turning Basin Near Olalla 10 1968-completed
01
Creek

2 Levees with 6 miles south- 1948-co mpleted
Tide gates east of
and Pile Newport; North
Bulkheads Bank of the
Yaquina River
ILack of completion date doe's not necessarily signify that the modification has not
been constructed.
2Depot and Olalla Creeks discharge into the Yaquina River at Toledo.

258

Yaquina Bay

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

As a major industrial estuary, Yaquina Bay is a center for lumbering
and commercial fishing activities [88,122,155]. Recreation is also important
to the area and is actually growing at a faster rate than the forest pro-
ducts industry [122]. Manufacturers in the area are listed in Table 6 [71].
Table 6. Major Manufacturers at Yaquina Bay r.711.

Number
Location Name Type of Business Employed

Newport New England Fish Co. processing fresh and frozen fish 100
of Oregon

Yaquina Bay Fish Co. fish, salmon, crab, fillet 40
(packaging)

Point Adams Packing crab, shrimp processing 32
Co.

Newport News-Times weekly newspaper and 20
commercial printing

14 manufacturers dealing in a variety of products
employing less
than 10

Toledo Georgia-Pacific Corp. paperboard mill 595

Georgia-Pacific Corp. plywood sheathing and lumber, studs 320

Cascadia Lumber Co. lumber 102

Toledo Shingle Co. Inc. shingles and shakes 45

Guy Roberts Lumber Co. sawmill/planer mill 40

Toledo Products Inc. wooden pallets and fish boxes 26

Newport-News Publishing newspaper and job printing 20
Co., Inc.

5 manufacturers dealing mainly in lumber and wood
employing 15.or under products

Eddyville WOW Lumber Co. lumber 27

Three B's Logging Co. logging 9

Toledo (particularly its south side) is the focal point of the forest
industry processing facilities not only for the estuary and county (Lincoln)
[1221, but for the entire Mid-Coast Basin 188]. Most of the major industries
there, included in Table 6, are concerned with forest products. The
only lumber mill in the estuary area not in Toledo is located at Eddyville
(river mile 36.3) [1221. In addition to the manufacturing of wood products,
log storage and lumber shipping are also important [155]. Statistics of
use of the Yaquina Bay and River projects (presented under "Physical
Alterations") show that much of the, traffic using the channel systems.

259

Yaquina Bay

consists of rafted logs, lumber, and wood products [129]. Log rafts are
under the jurisdiction of the Port of Toledo; total area of the estuary
used for their storage could be determined by contacting the industries
listed in Table 6 [105,109].

While Toledo is the center of the forest products industry in the
Mid-Coast Basin, Newport is the center for c6mmercial fishing activities--
in 1967 there were 450 commercial fishing boats licensed as being moored
at Newport [122], and there are numerous fish processing plantsthere
(Table 6). During 1971 commercial landings from the estuary itself were
fairly limited (Table 7), but those from.the entire area received at
Newport (Table 8) were greater than at any of the other estuaries included
Table 7. Commercial Harvest of Clams, Crabs, and Oysters From
Yaquina Bay [75,118].

Species 1969 1970 1971
pounds fishermen pounds pounds
landed value landed landed

Oysters 47,530 $56,000

Crabs .15,000 3,750 29,071 5,906

.Clams 1,581 444 1,819

Table 8. Commercial Harvest of Food Fish Received
at Newport,- 19710) [34f.

Species Harvest
(pounds round -Fishermen
weight) value

Crabs 3,,624,105 $12087,,000
Shrimp 3,601,,879 431,000
Groundfish 223692197 195,000
Coho 1,6952469 531,000
Albacore Tuna 998,262 302,000
Chinook 104,876 63,000
Oysters- 39,560 812000
Green Sturgeon 9,,599 11000
Clams- 2,039
Pinks 1,848 1,000
Smelt 350

Totals 12,447,184 P2692,000

lIncludes 1971 data presented in Table 7.

260

Yaquina Bay

here (Tables D and E). In fact, of the entire Oregon coast, the landings
received at Newport were exceeded only by those received at Astoria [34].

Recreational

Sport fishing is popular, as indicated by the estimated annual harvest
data for salmon, sea-run cutthroat, steelhead, and non-salmonid bay fish
presented in Table 9 [7S]. Deep sea boats make regular and chartered trips

Table 9. Estimated Annual Harvest Data For Sport Fishing At
Yaquina Bay(l) [7S].

Species area annual harvest effort gross
fished (total number) (angler-days) expenditures
Salmon Estuary 2,240 91000 $ 165,760
Yaquina River S60 2,240 41,440
Ocean 41,600 61,800 3,078,400
Sea-run Estuary 540@ 2,700 49,950
Cutthroat Yaquina River 540J
Steelhead Yaquina River 200 1,600 14,800
Non-salmonid Estuary 77,000 28,750 172,500
bay fish

lAverage of data from past years.

on the ocean from May through September. The best time for chinook and coho
angling in the estuary is during August f58].

Clams most commonly taken from the bay, as determined in the FCO
study from March to October 1971, are cockle, softshell, and some
gaper [38]. Cockle and gaper clams Iare found in-the lower sections
and softshells in the upper reaches.

Most of the recreation sites in the area are along the coast. One
of these is Yaquina Bay, a state park for day use only located north
of the estuary mouth. Statistics for 1966 to 1970 show a steady increase
in the number of visitors there from 974,469 to 1,335,905. A county
park is located at Elk City, and within tidewater there are six private
boat landings and five charter boat services, [82,122].

A plan for water access in the Yaquina River Basin entitled "Yaquina
River Basin, Master Plan forAngler Access and Associated Recreational
Uses" published by the OSGC in November 1968 is described in the paper,
"Preliminary Land Use Plan for the Yaquina Bay Area" which was mentioned
briefly in the first section of this report [122].

261

'Table 10. Surveillanc@ stations at Yaquina Say.

Z- ----
ty;e of ra.,7e and/or approximate drainage @eriod of re,crences,
sl@', ti on identifying location area record
number (Sc mi)
Climatological Ne-@port; 136 IE-37-(1958) [88,92,11-131
US;;S A032
2 3
Newport Bridge (Highway 101) 816--(3172) [67,681
(31 reasuremants)
112 McLean Point
(32 rFasurEments)
Coquille Point
(30 measurem,,-2nts)
-st b
channal AW (ne--r we I ank 3/63-(t2/633)
ards south, 400 yards (60 ra.-su,-2,-rents)
600 ya
West

#2 flashing liGht #717, 100 3/6 -(7/69)
Yards south (62 me-asure-nerits)

#3 @-,Ieisar Point, 275 y-,rds; 3150-(31172)
#19 marker (68 m@@asurements)

f 4 Oneatta Point, 275 yards 3/60-(4172)
nOrth, 400 yards (85 maasureTents)
-21 nar@er

#5 flashing light P25 3/910.-(4/72)
(84 m2esurEments)
3/60-(4/72)
red channel bouy
(89 ri---asurements)
7 Oregon Oyster Co. plariz, 10-3 .0-'4/12)
3/;-: %
10 yards east (87 m@asurr-m-,ts)
yads south, Sc
red channel buoy i-23 3/69-(4/72)
(85 n?-asure.,7erts)
7?)
-#9 flashing light #32 3/60-(4/i
(93 reasurements)
red channel buoy ir34; 375 3/90-(9/70)
yards north (60 re-2surenents).

414 red light.#.42
(23 r@--asurements)
05 flashing I ight '47 8160-(3172)
(31 reasurem-2nts)
P16 below shingle nill 8/50-(7/69)
(2-3 r-,e@surz@,=-nts)
07 17 shingle mIll
(31
rizuth of Depot Slough 81'6C-(3,172)
(30 reasurements)
-0/7i)
Toledo Bridge 8/60
(24
2 0 Cascadia. 11ill

21 14,111,Cre2%, at m. ou t 8 91,0-(3/72)
(26 a S u r Z@,,S
V 2 2 1-tala Slou@,h
Mouth 0@

262

z L!

Table 10. Surveillance St--tiOnS at Yaq--,Ina Bay.

@rox
0 rome ard 'or drainage p@:rlcd of rea:eren
cas
station identifying jocation area record
mi)
VEQ water log dump in King Slough, east of (67,6812
surveillance High@@,,ay 101 (7 ireasurerie;tsj.

kole't Slough. sou+.
side of 2168-(12/63)
Y
ira River Measurements).
eaL Q
Flesher's Slough bridr@,, south 1167-(12/63)
sidi@ of Yaquina River neasureriants)

U
2c,-.n2 Sic Th. bridge n-ear flash nn 6/67
I 1 9 h 3 7 (10 heasur@ireents)
Nutes Slough Bridge We5t of 6/67-(12/63)
black channel can

O_apot Slough bridge on Yaquina 1/67-(12/68)
V,@y P-ad
(10 mea Is

I 'a Slough brid.-a, Firecrest
Vay Drive

01-211-1 Slou-In Bridge; Cz;ryallis-
-14 ghway (8 m2asuremeil,s)
HI

Vatlir qu a I i tty Yaquina Siy and Fiver;
Yaquina River mi i e 4.2
to Toledo

water 'MM Creek near Mill Creek; 4, 111594m--5) ro8 38,
L
o.
sp
p e r a
-ure Toledo; USGS mile Z; 17
M
iles from the observations)
esNary mouth

!Precipitation e--ta available in punch c2rd or printout form through the &SWRB.
40,-.-ta available in punch card or printout forn through the OEQ
4ecords are not *ccriplete before 1967.
This is the rost racent record date -1found and is not necessari*;.y the last.

263

264

YOUNG'S BAY

265

CORPS OF ENGINEERS U. S. ARMY
123'50'
P.- 1 .1 (B
OJ, 14@7 '@@vn
c
142
Eli

'P.int
-1Z C@ A S T 0 R I A
'EAT CL

1429(

-.OR,z -zv
veRr, CL. -30,6'
0

101
C? 2 Eb
..... .........
. . ...........

P
AD ED PROJECT
RO
ro seesid. Chonnel 10 feet deep 4
and 150 feet wide to
bridge, thence 100
feet wide.

C L A T 5 0 P C 0 U N T Y

5
CL
'E- C'.

Data within boxes Pertain to Authorized Project
0 Ups?"recrin LI)In't'.
oil Feaervrl Pro,,Ccy
Base ftint of Lewis and Clark cevInvefing chanitel is
Mile /. 3 of Youngs Bay nitileope.
Milear indicated indicated In co/uMblo Riverts 2
ftm outer endofiethes.

t. NAIAD oil
NAVIGATION
upstream limit of YOUNGS BAY AND YOUNGS RIVER, ... AT MILE 8
Federal Prooct PIN 1,5 1: A, OREGON ... .............. .... . ..

3CALE M FEET . ........
1000, . 0 *00 = 3000 4000 MOD ....... ... .. ...........
U.S.ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT,PORTLAND
hlelfer QUO/i fy
Neek
REVISED OCT. I9T2

266

YOUNG'S BAY

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Estuary

Young's Bay lies approximately 12 miles above the mouth of the
Columbia River. Of the estuaries included herein, it ranks 5th in size.
Towns located on or near the estuary are Astoria, Miles Crossing, and
Warrenton. Locations and 1970 populations are given in Table 1 [9,953
111,123;129].

Table 1. Population Centers at Youngs Bay
[9,95,111,134].

NAME, GENERAL LOCATION RIVER MILE 1970
LOCATION POPULATION

Astoria Columbia R., S. Side 13 to 15 10,244
@.Youngs Bay, E. Side 0 to 3

Miles Crossing Lewis and Clark R., E. Side 3 (not Iisted)

Warrenton Skipanon R., W. Side 0 to 4.3
Lewis and Clark.R., W. Side 0.4 1,825

Tidal reach is approximately 8.miles in Lewis and Clark River [134].

The estuary measures 12,000 feet at its mouth and covers about 2,870
acres. The width converges to aqroximately 1,800 feet at. the Young's
Bay Bridge, river mile 2.9 [1161.

The estuary consists of young's Bay and the lower reaches of the
Young's, Lewis and Clark, and Skipanon Rivers. The Young's River drains
an area of 122 sa. miles with its source at river mile 22.7.- elevation
1,040 feet. Tributaries of the Young's River includethe Walluski River
(length-12.0 miles; source-700 feet) and the Klaskanine River (length-
2.8 miles; North.Fo-kth-11.1 miles, source 1,350 feet; leouth Fork-12.1
miles, source-1,240 feet). The mouth of the Walluski River is located
on the East bank of the Young's River at mile 1.7 while the Klaskanine
River, also on the East bank, is located at mile 6.5. The Lewis and
Clark River drains an area of 62 sq. miles with its source at river mile
27.2, elevation 1,920 feet. The Skipanon drains 16 sq. miles with its
source at Cullaby Lake, mile 7.8. elevation 10 feet. The source of
Cullaby Lake is another 6.7 miles u-b Cullaby Creek at'elevation 150 feet.
(Elevations are water elevations based on mean flow with zero occuring at
the mouths of each stream) [124].

The Port of Astoria is located at Astoria and can be contacted at
P.O. Box 569, Astoria, Oregon, 97103, telephone number 325-4521 [7].

Dimensions taken from maps included in [116].

267

YOUNG'S BAY

General Description of Estuary and Drainage Basin

Drainage Basin

The Young's--Lewins and Clark--Skipanon system drains a total basin
area of 200 sq. miles. The average yearly freshwater yields of the Young's
Ri,ver is 403,300 ac-ft,.with an average annual precipitation of 92 inches;
the Lewis and Clark yields 184,700 ac-ft. with 94 inches; and the Skipanon
yields 35,900 ac-ft, with 80 inches. Total average yearly @reshwater
yield of the system is 623,900 ac-ft [133].

The Young's River Basin consists primarily of forests (76.3%; 67,100
acres), cropland (4.8%; 4,200 acres) and rangeland (0.6%; 500 acres).
Lewis and Clark River Basin: forests (79%; 34,600 acres), cropland (8%;
3,500 acres),.and rangeland (1.6%; 700 acres), Skipanon River Basin:
forests (78.1%; 8,180 acres), cropland (8.6%; 900 acres), and rangeland
(0.5%; 50 acres). Frequently flooded areas average 600 acres on the
Young's River, 400 acres on the Lewis and Clark River, and 200 acres on
the Skipanon River. As of June 1966, the Young's River had 3 existing
storage ponds with 5 potential reservoir sites being studied; the Lewis
and Clark River had 1 existing storage reservoir with 4 potential reser-
voir sites being studied, and the Skipanon had 4stprage ponds with'no
studies for future sites. (Reconnaissance data for these possible re-
servoir sites may be fournd in reference [1331).

Average annual precipitation ranges from 75 inches at Young's Bay
to m@r 110 inches at the headwaters of the Lewis and Clark.

There are two climatological stations in the Young's Bay vicinity.
The Astoria Experiment Station has recorded data from 1918 to the present
and Astoria WSO has recorded data from 1953 to the present [143].

Wind roses from Astoria show annually averaged winds to occur from
the northwest, west, southwest, south, and southeast, each 15% of the
time at speeds from 4 to 31 mph. Wind roses for July indicate winds
from the northwest 40% of the time with speeds for 4 to 31 mph [84].

The Young's Bay river profiles appear on page 221 in the Tillamook
Basin section.

Hydrualic Description of Estuary

Tides and Currents

The dirunal range of tidesis about 8.6 feet and the extreme tidal
variation amounts to about 12 feet (mean lower low water is used as the
plane of reference). Tides at the mouth of the Columbia River exhibit the
diurnal inequality that is typical of.the Pacific.Coast of North America.

268

YOUNG'S BAY

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

River Discharges

Stream flow records are available from USGS stream gaging stations
on the Young's River and North Fork of the Klaskanine River (Table 8)
[146,147]. The Young's River station, located at approximately river
mile 9, was discontinued in 1958. The Klaskanine River station, located
at approximately river mile 5, was discontinued in 1955. Stream flow
averages and extremes for these two stations are given in Table 2A
[146,147].

No records of river stage or flow have been kept for the Lewis and
Clark River, but based on records for the nearby Young's River, the
maximum average monthly discharge is estimated to exceed 600 cubic feet
per second [123]. Average monthly flows for the Young's and Lewis and
Clark Rivers are given by Oregon State Water Resources Board, 1972, in
Table 2B and 2C.

Table 2A. Stream gaging data [146,147].

Stream Location Drainage Complete Flowrate
(river mile) area water (cfs)
(sq. mi.) years of
record max. min. mean

Youngs R. 9 40.1 31 47SO 3.3 178

N. Fork Aug. 1949
Klaskanine R. S 14.0 Sept. 1955. 829 1.5 66.3

Salinity add Classification by Mixing

No.information was found for this area.

Sediments

Although quantitative data on the sedimentation rate-is lacking,
considerable filling of the Lewis and Clark River -has been:occuring during
recent years. The Geological survey reports that a "turbidity maximum"
normally develops in the Columbia River estuary (of which Young's Bay and
the lower Young's and Lewis and Clark Rivers are part) because of a net
circulation pattern in which dense saline water flows landward in the
bottom layers and less dense fresher water flows seaward in the surface
layers. The turbidity maximum is an area within which concentrations of
suspended sediment, including some sand, are substanially higher than they
are either downstream toward the mouth of the estuary or upstream in the
Columbia River. Sample results taken near Astoria are presented in Table 3.

269

YOUNG'S BAY

Table 2B. Average Monthly Flows for Youngs River [140]

Average Monthly Flows,
(cfs)

20% 50% 80%

October 176 91 26

November 456 291 138

December 598 389 262

January 571 392 248

February 536 392 254

March 403 286 193

April 273 186 109

May 119 78 48

June 69 27

July 29 20 12

August 14 11 8

September 24 12 7

Total

S.M. 7- Correlated with S.M. 9.7 by.Area-Precipitation
Area = 36 Sq. Mi.
Area-Precip. 194,210 Ac.-Ft. [Calculated by SWRB 172]

270

YOUNG'S BAY

Table 2C. Average Monthly Flows for Lewis and Clark River [140]

Average Monthly Flows
(cfs)

20% 50% 80%

October 241 125- 36

November 624 398 189

December 817 532 359

January 780 536 339

February 733 536- @347

March 551 392 264

April 374 255 149

May 162 107 66

June 94 63 37

July 40 27 16

August 19 is 10

September 33 16 9

Total

S.M. 4- Correlated with Youngs River at S.M. 9.7 by Area-Precip.
Area= 50 sq. mi.
Area-Precip.= 265,530 AC.- Ft. [Calculated by SWRB 172]

271

YOUNG'S BAY

Hydraulic Description of Estuary

Table 3. Sediment Quality Characteristics.

Sediment Analysis EPA Tentative
Criteria
Sample No.
1427 1428 1429

Particle Size
Distribution

Gravel ( 6 mesh) 0% 1% 0% No standard
established
Sand 70% 51% 93% If
Silt & Clay 30% 48% 7%
(-200 mesh)

Chemical
Characteristics
(Cone % Dry wt.)

Volatile Solids 4.5 4.8 2.2 6.0%
Chemical Oxygen 3.8 2.7 2.0 5.0%
Demand (C)D)
Initial Oxygen 0.45 0.49 0.26* No standard
Demand (IDOD) established
Oxygen-Reduction -0.13 -0.11 +0.01
Potential
Sulfides 0.13 0.25 0.04
Total Phosphorus 0.78 0.84 0** 74
Kjeldahl Nitrogen 0.084 0.118* 0.049 0.10
0411 4 Grease 0.061 0.101 0.031 0.15

*Grab sample locations noted on map.

*Exceeds EPA Tentative Criteria [123].

Sediments

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers environmental statement
on dredging of the Lewis and Clark connecting channel, the maximum inten-
sifies, abates, and moves back and forth with the tide. It is most fully
developed at about the time of peak velocities. The highest sediment
concentrations are usually associated with low salinities and develope in
the reach where net flow at the bottom is near zero. Maximum d 'eposition
often occurs in that area. During moderate river flow, the durbidity
maximum develops highest Values at about Columbia River mile 9 or 10 (the
mouth of oung's Bay being at mile 12) [123].

272

YOUNG'S BAY

Water'Quality Information

Water temperature data was taken at the North Fork Klaskanine River
gating station near Olney, Oregon for the period of May 1950 to September
1954. (Table 8) [145]. Also miscellaneous flow and temperature measure-
ments for the basin were made by the Oregon State Game Commission.
Temperature ranges for these sources are presented in Table 4 (77,145].

Table 4. Temperature Extremes for Youngs Bay Drainage Basin
[77,145].
Point of @Period of Observed temperature extremes
measurement record (F-)
maximum minimum type of,
observation

USGS-- May 1950

N. Fork Klaskanine Sept. 1954 650 340 continuous
4 mi. SE of
Olney, Ore.

OSGC__ Jan. 1971

N. Fork Klaskanine, Aug. 1971 660 440 spot
mouth

S. Fork Klaskanine 670 440
mouth

Youngs R. 710 440
below Wawa Cr.

Lewis and Clark R. 700 440
below Klickitat Cr.

Jable 5 describes water quality characteristics for the Lewis,and
Clark River obtained at a site 1/2 mile above Peterson Slough at -river
mile 4.3, as reported by the-Oregon State Department of Environmental
Quality. Extensive bottom deposits of bark from log storage may create
a physical barrier to the development of a healthy community of benthic
organisms [123].

As of December 1967, there were two sewerage w ,orks projects needed
in the Young's gay area according to the Oregon State Sanitary Authority.
Astoria needed a new sewer system and sewage treatment plant. The pre-,
liminary engineering study was underway. Schedule completion was July
1972. Warrenton needed sewer extensions, replacement or improvements
and a new sewage treatment plant. As of December 1967, the preliminary
engineering study and report had been completed. For further information
contacet the.Oregon State Sanitary Authority,[84].

DEQ water quality stations are lised in Table 8.

273

Table 5. Water Quality Characteristics, Lewis and Clark River
1/2 mile upstream of Peterson slough, river mile 4.3. [123].

Analysis 6/3/69 8/19/69 10/7/69 3/10/70 4/11/72

Time 1430 1400 1215 1445

ph (field) 6.6 6.7 6.5 6.6 6.6

temperature 18.0 20.0 11.0 8.5 6.5

Orig. DO 8.2 6.3 9.1 11.4. 11.9

Final DO 7."S 5.6 8.3 10.6 10.5

BOD 0.7 0.7 0.8 1.4 1.4

PBI --- --- --- --- ---

Cond. 78 120

MPN (total) 2400 230 230 620 230

ph (lab) 6.8 7.0 6.7 --- 6.5

Color .7 10 --- 10

Turbidity 29 7 8 5

Solids (to tal) 91 1259 112 --- 55

Solids (susp.) 17 20 19 ---

Alkalinity 14 22 13 --- 9

14.8
Hardness 20 198 18.7 ---

so 7.1 7.4 9.7 --- 4.S9
4
NH 3-N 0.11 0.07 0.06 0..05 0.04
NO 3-N 0.24 0.07 0.25 0.21 0.25

PO 0.03 0.08 0.05 0.03 0.02
4-
Cl- 8.8 594 22.4 --- 12.2

Na --- 6.5

--- --- --- 1.5

Fecal Coliform 230 230 --- 60

Fecal Strep. --- 245 62

274

YOUNG'S BAY

Biological Information

Estimates of the number of adult anadromous salmonids spawning in
the young's--Lewis and Clark River systems are as follows: fall.chinook--
500, coho--17,700, chum--200, winter steelhead--2,800, and sea-run
cutthroat--1,000. A breakdown appears in Table 6 [77]. Non-anadromous
fishinclude shad, chub, carp, sculpin, dace, and chisel mouth [123].

Table 6. Adult Anadromous Saimonid Spawning Estimate
[7",

stream Chinook Coho Chum Steelhead Sea-run
Cutthroat
Spring Fall Winter Summer

Lewis & Clark so 3,000 50 750 --- Soo

Youngs so 200 SO so --- 200

Klaskanine 400 14,000 100 2000 --- 300

The Oregon State Game Commission recommends that the Lewis and 'Clark
River be protected from gravel removal above the South Fork. It was also
determined that possible reservoir sites in the North Fork of the North
Fork of the Klaskanine River (T7N-R8W-Sl7) and Young's River (T7N-R9W-S27)
are thought compatible'with fishery resources [77].

Species of wil life present in the region in significant numbers are
Black-tai.1 d-eer, Roosevelt elk, marten, fisher, weasel, striped and spotted
skunks, raccoon, oppossum, bobcat, cougar, nutria, muskrat, mink, and,
bt@aver. Many species of waterfowl frequent the regions, primarily as
migrants on the Pacific flyway. The most numerous ducks sighted are pintail
and scaup. Upland birds include hummingbirds and wr,ens.

..Three major plankton groups were.found.in the,estuary. The freshwater
(0.1% salinity or less) plankton were dominated by a copepod Cyclops
vernalis, and cladocerans, Daphnia longispina and Bosmina spp. Seasonally
abundant species included the cladoc rans Diaphano@oma brachyurum (summer),
and Ceriodaphnia quadrangula (summer-fall), juvenile amphipods Corophium
salmoinis (winter-springil -the rotifers Brachionis spp (summer), and
copepod Diaptomus ashlandi (spring and summer). In brackish waters the
copepod Eurytemora hirundoides made up 90-100% of the plankton population.
In the waters of the salt intrusion, principal species were Acartia clausi,
A. longiremus, and Psuedocalanus minutus; while seasonally abundant species
included Oithana similis (fall), Acartia tonsa and Corycacus affinis (fall),
and Evadne nordamanni (summer-fall).

275

YOUNG'S BAY

Physical Alterations

A channel 10 feet deep and 150 feet wide form the Columbia River to.
the foot of Haren Island, a distance of about 2 1/2 miles across Youngl@
Bay and 4 miles in Young's River, was authorized by the River and Harbor
Act of 30 August 1935 and completed in 1938. Project, as modified under
Section A7 of the 1960 River and Harbor Act, amended by Section 310 of the
1965 River and Harbor Act, and approved 7 January 1970, provided for a
channel in Lewis and Clark River 10 feet deep and 150 feet wide from
Young's Bay Channel to the State Highway 105 Bridge to the end of the pro-
ject, a distance of about 4 1/2 miles. Total federal cost through June
1970 was: $9,000 construction; $50,000 maintenance. Estimated federal
cost of the Lewis and Clark channel is $190,000 [129].

Records of bank protection, dock, launch ramp, log dump, piling,
cable, wire, and pipe permits in the estuary are kept by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Portland District.

The Skipanon Waterway at the mouth of the Skipanon River was con-
structed June 1950 and is 30 feet deep [116].

Bridges over the estuary include the U.S. 101 Bridge, the Spokane,
Portland, and Seattle Railroad Bridge (horizontal clearance 1301, verticai
clearance 181) the Young's Bay Bridge, U.S. 26 (horizontal clearance 1201,
vertical.clearance 30.61) and the Oregon Coast Highway Bridge across the
Lewis and Clark River (horizontal clearance 921, vertical clearance 25.21)
[116,123].

Estuary Uses

Industrial and Commercial

Lumbering, dairying, stock raising, tourism, boat building, and fish-
ing provide the economic base for the region. Seafood processing is an
important industry.

The lowlands beside the navigable reaches of the Lewis and Clark
River and Young's River are cleared and in agricultural use. Most other
lands in the basin are mountainous and are managed for timber product ' ions.
Second-growth timber is the principal natural resource of the basin. Exist-
ing commerce consists mainly of rafted logs. Table 7 lists major manufact-
urers in the Young's Bay area [71,116,123].

Recreational

The main recreational activities in the area are fishing, hunting,
sightseeing, picknicing, boating, clam digging, and crabbing.

One of the more popular places of interest in the area is the Fort
Clatsop National Memorial The site of Fort Clatsop was preserved by the
Pregon Historical Society and lated donated to the people of the United
States. The 125-acre Fort Clatsop National Memorial was authorized by
Congress in 1958 to commemorate the winter encampment of the Lewis and
Clark Expedition following its successful crossing of the North American
Continent [116,123,1331.

276

Table 7. Major manufacturers at Youngs Bay. [71]

Location Name Type of Business Number
Employed

Astoria Curtis Olson Logging 6
Logging, Inc.

Herman F. 1
Labiske Logging

Johnson Logging 20
& Dairyman, H.B.

Nygaard 20
Logging Co., M.

W & W Logging Co. 47

Astoria Plywood Veneer and Plywood 235
Corp.

Mayflower Farms Fluid milk 9

Barbey Packing Canned and cured Fish so
Corp. and Seafoods

Bumble-Bee Soo
Seafoods-Astoria

Union Fishermans 115
Coop. Pkg. Co.

Astoria Fish Fresh or Frozen Packaged 25
Factors Inc. Fish and Seafood

Astoria Seafood H
Co.

Ocean Foods of 65
Astoria Inc.

Coca-Cola Bottled and Canned soft 7
Bottling Co. drinks and Carborated water

Van Dusen if 8
Beverages

Astorian-.Budget Newspapers-Publishing, 50
Publishing Co. Publishing and Printing

Astoria Printing Books-Publishing, Publishing 42
Co. and Printing

Consolidated 5
Printing and
Stationery Inc.

277

Table 7. (cont.

Location Name Type of Business Number
Employed

Astoria Sunset Crushed Minerals and Earths, Ground 6
Rock Co. or Otherwise treated

American Can Co. Metal cans is

Phillips-Drucker Pumps, Air and Gas Compressors 35
Div. and Pumping Equipment

Astoria Marine Shipbuilding and Repairing 23
Construction Co.

Warrenton Pacific Shrimp Canned and Cured Fish and 17
Inc. Seafoods

New England Fresh or Frozen Packaged Fish 45
Fish Co. and Seafoods

Bioproducts Prepared Feed for Animals and so
Inc. Fowls

Warrenton Sawmills and Planing Mills 85
Lumber Co.

Lektro Inc. Industrial Trucks, Tractors, 20
Trailers, and Stackers

Carruthers Co., Food Products Machinery 16
E.H.

278

Table 8. Surveillance Stations at Youngs Bay

Type of Name &/or Approximate Drainage Period References
Station Identifying Location Area of record
number

Cumatologi.cal Astoria Experiment Lat. 460 091 1918-1971 [143]
Station Long. 1230 491
El. 48

Astoria WSO Lat. 460 091 1953-1971
Long. 1230 531
El. 8

Water Quality N. Fork Klaskanine R. Lat. 460 041 May 1950- [145]
near Olney, Ore. Long. 1230 421 14.0 Sept. 1954

Stream Gaging Youngs R. near Lat. 460 041 40.1 Aug 1929 [147]
Astoria Long. 123' 471 Sept. 1958

N. Fork Klaskanine R. Lat. 460 041 14.0 Aug 1949 [1461
near Olney, Ore. Long. 1230 421 Sept. 1955

Water Quality Skipanon R. River mile 2.2 [152]
near Dam and 8th St.

Skipanon R. River mile 4.7
near Clatsop Sta. Rd.

Skipanon R. River mile 7.4
near Cullaby L.

Lewis and Clark R. River mile 4.3
1/2 mile above
Peterson Slough

Lewis and Clark R. River mile 7.9
below Klickitat Cr.

Youngs R. near River mile 9.1
Ore. 1 Br.

S. Fork Klaskanine R. River mile 0.01
near mouth

Water Quality N. Fork Klaskanine R. River mile 0.5
below Fish Hatchery

N. Fork Klaskanine R. River mile 3.5
above Fish Hatchery

279

280

REFERENCES

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Sediments of the Coos Bay Estuary," MS Thesis., Department of Civil
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2. Bandon Chamber of Commerce, Bandon, Oregon, brochure, 1972.

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7. Bourke, R.H., Glenne, B., and Adams' B.W., "The Nearshore Physical
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8. Bowers, D., Supt., Coos Bay Sewage Disposal Plant, Coos Bay, Ore.,
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281

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18 pp. Gives temperature and salinity data in tabulated form for
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13. Burt, W.V., and McAllister, W.B., "Recent Studies in the Hydrology of
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Classifies Oregon estuaries by mixing characteristics and mentions
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14. Callaway, R.J., "Application of Some Numerical Models to Pacific
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15. Callaway, R.J., "Physical and Chemical Oceanographic Data, Umpqua River
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9 pp Abstract: "Oceanographic data collected in the Umpqua River
Estuary, Oregon, during the period January 25-26, 1961 are tabulated.
Temperature, salinity, velocity, and dissolved oxygen were observed at
various depths over the tidal cycle at one station. Temperature and
salinity observations were made from the ocean to 11.5 miles upstream
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16. Callaway, R.J., "Physical and Chemical Data, Umpqua River Estuary, Oregon.,
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17. Callaway, R.J., "Physical and Chemical Oceanographic Data, Umpqua River
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observed at various depths over one tidal cycle at a mid-channel anchor
station located near the mouth of the river.."

18. Callaway, R.J., Ditsworth, G.R., and Cut chin, D.L., "Salinity, Runoff,
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282

20. Case, E., Fish Commission of Oregon, Portland, Ore., personal communication,
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.21. City of Waldport, Waldport, Ore., personal communication, 1972.

22. Cole, D.L., Curator, Museum of Natural History, University of Oregon,
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23. Columbia--North Pacific Technial'Staff, Pacific Northwest River Basins
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24. Coos Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Coos Bay, Ore., brochure, 1972.

25. Coquille Chamber of Commerce, Coquille, Ore., map and brochure, 1972.

26. Cornell, Howland, Hayes, and Merryfield, "Umpqua River Gravel Study,"
for the Umpqua River Navigation Co., Eugene, Ore., June,.1971.
22 pp. A study of six-mile stretch of the Umpqua River just downsream
from Scottsburg to determine whether the natural deposits of gravel
within the study area are naturally replenished after being removed for
commercial purposes.

27. Correspondence by mail with Glenn J. Akins, Planning Coordinator,
Oregon Coastal Conservation and Development Commission, 519 Coast Highway,
P.O. Box N, Florence, Ore., 97439. Telephone'997@8248.

28. Deahl, R., Fish Commission of Oregon, Portland, Ore., personal communication,
March, 1973.

29. Dept. of Civil Engineering, OSU, "Tidal Flats in Estuarine Water Quality
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30. Ditsworth, G.R., "Environmental Factors in Coastal and Estuarine Waters,"
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Publication WP-20-2, 61 pp, October, 1966'.
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provided.

31. Division of State Lands, copy of a,public notice concerning dredging of
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32. Fisacherly, G.M., "Estuary Entrance, Umpqua River, Oregon Technical
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elimination of cross currents in the navigation channel at the entrance
was determined.

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35. Florence@ Area Chamber of Commerce, Florence, Ore., brochure, 1972.

36. Florence sewage treatment plant, Florence, Ore., personal communication,
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37. Frolander, H.F., Flynn, M.J., Spring, C.S., Zimmerman, S.T., and Miller,
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41. Glanzman, C.F., Glenne, B., Burgess, F.J., "Tidal Hydraulics, Flushing
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42. Goodwin, C.R., "Estuarine Tidal Hydraulics--One-Demensional Model and
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the Alsea, Siletz and Yaquina.

43. Goodwin, C:.R., Emmet, E.W., and Glenne, B.j' "Tidal Study of Three Oregon
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284

44 Gray, C., U.S. Dept. of Environmental Quality, Portland, Ore., personai
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4S. Haas, J., Fish Commission of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, personal
communication, Feb. 27, 1973.

46. Hamilton, S., Division of State Lands, Salem, Ore., personal communication,
1972.

47. Hansen, D.V., and Rattray, M., "New Dimensions in Estuary Classification,"
Limn. and OCEAN, 11(3), 319-326, 1966.

48. Hart, L., Toledo City Manager, Toledo, Ore., persona communication, 1972.

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of the Interior, Feb., 1953.
46 pp. Gives a general description of Oregon coastal streams and
discusses them in terms of water supply and storage sites and plan of
development, with conclusions regarding potential for power. Includes.@
the Nehalem River, Wilson and Trask Rivers (Tillamook Bay),,Nestucca
River, Siletz River, Alsea River, Siuslaw River, Coos River, and Coquille
River.

50. Hopman, R., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, Ore., personal
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Sl. Interstate Electronics Corporation and Environmental Production Agency,
"Coastal Zone Water Quality Monitoring in Oregon and Washington," by
D.A. Milne, Report -45-B6, April, 1973.

52- Jacobson-, L., Oregon State Highway Division, Salem, Ore., personal
communication, August 8, 1972.

53. James, W., "A Photographic Analysis of Oregon Estuaries,." Dept. of Civil
Engineering, OSU, Corvallis, Ore., 1970(?).
72 pp. Includes general descriptions, photogra hs, and photographic
P
analyses of the following Oregonestuaries: Tillamook, Alsea, Coos,
Umpqua, Siletz, Siuslaw, Nestucca, Nehalem, Coquille, Salmon River, Sand
Lake, Netarts, and Yaquina.

54. Jefferies., E., Fish Commission of Oregon, Portland, Ore., personal
communication, March, 1973.

55. Johnson, J.W., "Tidal Inlets on the California, Oregon, and Washington
Coasts," Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory HEL 24-12, Univ. of Calif.,
Berkeley, Calif., Feb., 1972.
-56 pp. Discusses factors affecting the stability of tidal inlets
and gives characteristics of California, Oregon, and Washington coastal
inlets including number of jetties, tidal data, bay dimensions, and
wave climate.

56. Kernan, G., Oregon State Game Commission, Portland, Oregon, personal
communication, March, 1973.

285

57. Klingeman, P.C., et. al., "Coastal Processes--Oregon Coastal Littoral
Drift," Marine Geotechnique Preliminary Study, OSU, Corvallis, Ore.,
1969 (mimeo report).
Glass papers from CE 572 (Dept. of Civil Engineering) on littoral
drift along the Oregon coast with bibliographies.

58. Lower Umpqua Chamber of Commerce, Reedsport, Ore., brochure and personal
communication, 1972.

S9. Marriage, L.D., "The Bay Clams of Oregon," Fish Commission of Oregon,
Educational Bulletin #2, Portland, Ore., 1958.
29 pp. Describes the various types of clams generally found in Oregon
estuaries and also lists the types present in each specific estuary.
Also gives estuary surface areas.

60. Matson, A.L., "Zooplankton and Hydrography of Alsea Bay, Oregon, September
1966 to September 1968,11 thesis presented to Oregon State University at
Corvallis, Ore., in June, 1972, in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

61. McAllister, W.B., and Blanton, J.O., "Temperature, Salinity and Current
Measurements for Coos Bay, Oregon," Data Report No. 10, Reference 63-23,
Department of Oceanography, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.,
pp 33, October, 1963.
Temperature, salinity and current measurements extending over one or
more tidal cycles were.made at various times during the three year period
1960-1963.

62. McKenzie, D.R., "Seasonal Variation of Tidal Dynamics, Water Quality and
Sediments of the Alsea Estuary," MS Thesis, Department of Civil Engineering,
Ocean Engineering Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.

63. Murphy, K., Reedsport Sewage Treatment Plant, Reedsport, Ore., personal
communication, Nov. 14, 1972.

64. Newport Sewage Treatment Plant, Newport, Ore., personal communication, 1972.

65. North Bend Sewage Treatment Plant, North Bend, Ore., personal communication,
1972.

66. Oregon Coastal Conservation and Development Commission, "Coastal Wetlands
of Oregon," August, 1973.
159 pp. Includes descriptions, management practices, And an inventory
of Oregon's wetlands.

67. Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality, "An Informational Guide for
Interpreting Oregon Estuary Data," Oregon.State Sanitary Authority, 1969,
(mimeo).

68. Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality, water quality data from estuarine
surveillance stations, Portland, Ore., 1972.

286

69. Oregon Division of State Lands, Inventories of filled lands 'is Alsea,
Nehalem, Nestucca, Salmon, Sand Lake, Siuslaw, Tillamook, Umpqua, and
Yaquina Estuaries (separate reports), Salem, Ore., 1972.
Each report gives a brief description of the estuary and drainage
basin; map of the estuary with landfill locations; individual maps of
the parcels on which landfills are located; and tables showing parcel
ownership, date filled, construction dates, usage (past and present),
permit information and fill acreage.

70. Oregon Division of State Lands, preliminary information for wetlands
reports to be printed in March, 1973, Salem, Ore.
3 pp. Gives material on the following estuaries: Tillamook, Netarts,
Sand Lake, Nestucca, Siuslaw, Salmon, Umpqua, Nehalem, Yaquina, Alsea,
and Siletz including MHT and MIT surface areas, ownership and deed
information, drainage basin area, fresh water yield, and the amount of
accretion at jetties.

71. Oregon Economic Development Divison, "Directory of Oregon Manufacturers,
1972," Portland, Ore.
Lists the names of all Oregon manufacturing establishments alphabetically,
by location, and according to their Standard Industrial Classification
CSIC) code with information such as address, phone number, head, products,
and number employed.

72. Oregon State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, "Geology of
the Southwestern Oregon Coast West of the 124th meridian," Bulletin
69, 1971.
63 pp. Describes Tectonic settings, rock types and formations, and
economic geology of the area.

73. Oregon State Division of State Lands Tideland Ownership Maps. TiLudeland
Maps compiled from May 1970 and January 1971 aerial photography, 1973.

74. Oregon State Division of State Lands, "Oregon Estuaries," Salem, Ore.,
June, 1973.
General descriptions and maps of Oregon's estuaries.

75. Oregon State Game Commission, "Environmental Investigations. Mid-Coast
Basin" Portland, Ore., March, 1972._
98 pp. See [79].

76. Oregon State Game Commission, "Environmental Investigations.. North
Coast Basin," Portland, Ore., 1968.
102 pp. Describes fish and game resources of the North Coast Basin
and a streamflow study with recommended minimum flows for fish life,
miscellaneous flow and temperature (air and water) measurements, and
biological requirements of fish.

77. Oregon State Game Commission, "Environmental Investigations. North
Coast Basin. Supplement," Portland, Ore., Jan., 1972.
S2 pp. Reviews recreational uses and economic considerations of the
fish and wildlife resources of the North Coast Basin. Shellfish and
commercial harvest data provided by the FCO.

78. Oregon State Game Commission, "Environmental Investigations. South
Coast Basin," Portland, Ore., April, 1972.
98 pp. See [79].

287

79. Oregon State Game Commission, "Enviornmental Investigations. Umpqua
River Basin,'! Portland, Ore., Feb., 1972.
127 pp. Discusses fish and game resources, a streamflow study with
recommended minimum and optimum streamflows for fish life, and fish
and wildlife importance. Includes table and maps.

80. Oregon State Game Commission, Fishery Division, "1970 Annual Report,"
C.J. Campbell and F.E. Locke, ed., Salem(?), Ore.
Included numerous table (e.g., fish counts, trap-net and gill-net
collections, catch statistics, anadromous fish counts, angler success)
and also gives hatchery names, fish distribution and propagation,
Fishery Div. expenditures, habitat improvements, Oregon salmon and
steelhead sport catch.

81. Oregon State Game Commission, Portland, Ore., mimeo, reports on Coquille,
Rogue,' and Chetco Rivers to be used in the OKC 1972 publication,
"Environmental Investigations. South Coast Basin."
Describes the three above-mentioned areas in terms of wildlife and
industrial uses.

82. Oregon State Highway Division, State Parks and Recreation Section, "Day-
Visitors--Attendance," Salem, Ore., Sept., 1971 (mimeo).
3 pp. Lists the annual number of day visitors at Oregon State parks
for 1966-67 through 1970-71.

83. Oregon State Highway Division, State Parks and Recreation Section,
"Overnite Camping by the Public," Salem, Ore., Oct., 1971 (mimeo).
.2 pp. Lists annual number of camper nights spent at Oregon State
campgrounds for 1966-67 through 1970-71.

Oregon State Sanitary Authority, "Water Quality Control in Oregon,"
Portland, Ore., 1966-67, Vol. 1, 113 pp., Vol. 11, 29 pp., Vol. II,
supplement, 65 pp.
Summary of Oregon's Air and Water Quality Control Programs for
1966-67.

85. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore., "Dredge Spoil Distribution
and Estuarine Effects," Research proposal submitted'to NSF, May 28, 1971.

86. Oregon State University, Department of Oceanography, "Comprehensive
Inventory of Scientific Information Relating to the Physical and Biological
Characteristics of the Estuaries of Oregon," preliminary proposal,
Corvallis, Ore., March, 1971.

87. Oregon State University, Water Resources Research Institute, Data
Collection during July and August, 1973 by Chet Sutterlin, Civil
Engineering, and Steve Klug, Fisheries.
88. Oregon State Water Resources Board, "Mid-Coast Basin," Salem, 6re.,
May, 1965.
121 pp. Describes the Mid-Coast Basin, including the Salmon, Siletz,
Yaquina, Alsea, Yachats, and Siuslaw Rivers and their drainage basins,
as follows: physical features, economic factors, surface water and
ground water, water use and associated problems, water control, and
developfnental potential. Includes maps.
Work on an updated version.is underway and scheduled for publication
in 1974.

288

89. Oregon State Water Resources Board, "North Coast Basin," Salem, Ore.,
June, 1961.
142 pp. See [881.

90. Oregon State Water Resources Board, "North Coast Basin Hydrological
Summary 1.200-5,11 Salem, Ore.,.May, 1961.
122 pp. Listing of stream gaging stations, water temperature stations
and climatological stations with locations, USGS number, name, drainage
area, gage-type, period of record, and other information. Also names
agencies having stream gaging, water temperature, water quality, and
climatological records.

91. Oregon State Water Resources Board, "North Coast Basin Recreation Areas
Summary," Salem, Ore., June, 1961.
9 pp. Lists North Coast Basin forest camps, state parks, roadside
rest areas, county parks, and boat landings shown on the OSWRB chart
#1.70146/107.

92. Oregon State Water Resources Board, "Precipitation Stations--Oregon.
Monthly Precipitation Records on Punch Cards by Calendar and Water
Year through September 1967," Salem, Ore., 1968.
41 pp. Describes format used in recording precipitation records
available in punch card or printout form. Records are to be updated.

93. Oregon State Water Resources Board, "South Coast Basin," Salem, Ore.,
Jan., 1963.
125 pp. Gives descriptions of the South Coast Basin (Coos, C.oquille,
and Chetco River areas) as in [26].

94. Oregon State Water Resources Board, "Stream Mile Summary. Mid-Coast
Basin," Salem, Ore., 1967.
29 pp. See [95].

95: Oregon State Water Resources Board, "Stream Mile Summary. North
Coast Basin," Salem, Ore., 1967.
24 pp. Lists stream systems and coordinates stream miles.of major
rivers with landmarks.

96. Oregon State Water Resources Board, "Stream Mile Summary. South
Coast Basin," Salem, Ore., 1967.
17 pp. See [95].
97. Oregon State Water Resources Board, "Stream Mile Summary. Umpqua
Basin," Salem, Ore., 1967.
25 pp. See [95].

98. Oregon State Water Resources Board, "Surface Water Gaging Stations,
Oregon," Salem, Ore., 1968.
Describes the format used in recording monthly and water-year runoff
records from certain surface-water gaging stations with a listing of
stations including locations and periods of record. Data can be
obtained in either punch card or printout form from the OSWRB at cost.

99. Oregon State Wate r Resources Board, "Umpqua River Basin," Salem, Ore.,
July, 1958.
182 pp. See [88].

289

100. Payne, E.W., Harbormaster, Port of Coos Bay, Coos Bay, Ore., personal
- icommunic.ation, 1972.

101. Pierce, D., Bandon Sewage Treatment Plant, Bandon, Ore., personal
communication, Nov. 14,,1972.

102. Port of Alsea, Waldport,,Ore., personal communication, 1972.

.103. Port of Bandon, Bandon, Ore.,. personal communication, 1972.

104. Port of Nehalem, Nehalem, Or6., personal communication, 1972.

105. Port of Newport, Newport, Ore., personal communication, 1972.

106. Port of Portland, "Oregon Port Directory." Feb., 1972.
16 pp.

107. Port of Siuslaw, Florence, Ore., personal communication, 1972.

108. Port of Tillamook Bay, Tillamook, Ore., personal communication, 1972.

109. Port of Toledo, Toledo, Ore., personal communication, 1972.

110. Port of Umpqua, Reedsport, Ore., personal communication, 1972.

111. Rand McNally and Co., 1972 Commercial Atlas and Marketing Guide, R.L.
Forstall, ed., Chicago., Ill., 1972.

112. Rauw, C-.I., "Seasonal Variation of Tidal Dynamics, Water Quality and
Sediments of the Siletz Estuary," MS Thesis, Department of Civil
.Engineering, Ocean Engineering Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis,
Oregon,

113. Renfro, W.C., McCauley, J.E., Glenne, B., Bourke, R.H., Hancock, D.R.,
and Hager, S.W., "Oceanography of the Nearshore Coastal Waters of the
Pacific Northwest Relating To Possible Pollution (Parts I and II),"
Environmental Protection Agency, Water Quality Office, 16070 EDK 07/71j
744 pp., July, 1971.
This report provides an extensive review of the Pacific Northwest
Nearshore Oceanography. Numerous references are provided.
This report maybe cataloged under the Environment Protection Agency
as the authors names were not included due to a policy of EPA.

114. Siletz Bay Regional Planning Advisory Committee,-minutes,of monthly
meetings, July 5, 1972, Siletz, Ore.

115. Simmons, H., "The Potential of Physical Models to Investigate Estuarine
Water Quality Problems," Proceedings, 1971 Technical Conference on
Estuaries of the Pacific Northwest, OSU, Corvallis, Ore., Engineering
Expt. Station Circular No. 42, 1971, pp. 4-28.
Describes existing physical models of Columbia River, Umpqua, Grays
.Harbor, and Tillamook estuaries and gives their uses.

290

116. State of Oregon, Department of Geology and-Mineral Industries,
"Environmental Geology of the Coastal Region of Tillamook and Clatsop
Counties, Oregon," Bulletin 74, Portland, Ore., 1972.
164 pp. Describes geography, geologic units, economic mineral
resources, engineering characteristics of geologic units, and geologic
hazards.

117. Stevens, Thompason, and Runyan, Inc., "Coos-Curry Environmental
Protection Program," 19.80 interim sewerage plan for the Coos Bay/ Coos
River Basin and Chetco River Basin for the Coos-Curry Council of
Governments, Feb., 1971.

118. Snow, D., Fish Commission of Oregon, Newport, Ore., personal communication,
Oct. 4, 1972.

119. Summers, V.C., and Neubauer, E.K., Closing Report for the Coastal
Stream Improvement and Rehabilitation Program," Fish Commission.of
Oregon, Portland, Ore., March, 1965.

120. Thomas J. Murray and Associates, "Development Program for Tillamook
Bay, Oregon," for Tillamook County, Port of Bay City, and Port of
Tillamook Bay, Ore., July, 1972.
81 pp. A study to investigate a development program for Tillamook
Bay following completion of the now south jetty.

121. Tillamook Chamber of Commerce, Tillamook, Ore., brochures, 1972.

122. University of Oregon, Bureau of Government Research and Service,
"Preliminary Land Use Plan for the Yaquina Bay Area," for the Yaquina
Bay Planning Commission, 1969.

123. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Final Environmental Statement, "Dredging
of Lewis and Clark Connecting Channel, Clatsop County, Oregon,"
Portland, Ore., June, 1973.
Includes proposed action, existing conditions, environmental impact,
alternatives, and coordination of the project.

124. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, gradation curves from the North Pacific
Division Testing Laboratory, Portland, Ore., 1958 to 1972.
Results of analyses of dredge samples from Siuslaw River, Tillamook
Bay, Rogue River, Chetco River, Columbia River, Baker Bay (Washington),
Yaquina Bay, Umpqua River, Coquille River, and Coos Bay. Includes
information on sieve analyses, void ratios, densities, percent organic
material, and roundness grade.

125. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, North Pacific Division, "National
Shoreline Study, Inventory Report Columbia--NoTth Pacific Region,
Washington and-Oregon," August, 1971.
80 pp. Describes physical characteristics, changes, littoral drift,
ownership, and use of the Washington and Oregon shorelines.

126. U.S. Army,Corps of.Engineers, "Oregon Coastal Harbors," Portland, Ore., 1968.
pp. Briefly describes jetty and channel projects at Oregon Estuaries.

127.. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "Shore Protection, Planning and Design,"
Technical Report No. 4. U.S. Government,Printing Office, Washington, D.C.,
1966.

291

128. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "Study of Hopper Dredging Coastal
Harbor Entrances and Columbia River Estuary Bars, States of Oregon and
Washington," Portland, Ore., Nov., 1971.
293 pp. Gives detailed descriptions of dredging projects at
Tillamook, Yaquina, Siuslaw, Umpqua, Coos, Coquille, Rogue, and Chetco
including history, status, and use.

129. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,-"Water Resources Development by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers in Oregon," North Pacific Division, Portland,
Ore., 1971.
(1971--149,p.) Published biennially since 19S5. Gives multiple
purpose development, navigation development, and flood control
developemnt information by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Oregon.

130. U.S. Coast and Geodedic Survey, charts, published at Washington, D.C.
by the U.D. Dept. of Commerce,.National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, National Ocean Survey, 1970, 1971, and 1972.

131. U.S. Department of Agriculture, "USDA Report on Water and Related Land
Resources, South Coast Drainage Basin, Oregon," Feb., 1962.
120 pp. Includes description, forest management, agriculture
recreation, an& water related problems and opportunities of the basin.

132. U.S. Department of Agriculture and Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station
"Soil Survey of Curry Area, Oregon ,11 Jan., 1970.
70 pp. Soil maps, descriptions, use and management, formation and
classification, labratory data, and general nature of the'area of Curry
County, Oregon.

133. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Oregon River Basin Survey Staff, "USDA
Report on Water and Related Land Resources, North Coast Drainage Basin,,
Oregon," Salem, Ore., June, 1966.
148 pp. Includes descriptions, forest man 'agement, agriculture,
-recreation, and water related problems and opportunities of the basin.

134. U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, "Number of Inhabitants,
Oregon," July,,1971.
33 pp. Population data for Oregon.

135. U.S. Department of the Interior, EROS Data Center, Sioux Falls, South
Dakota, 57198. Aerial photographs from NASA-Ames Reserach Center, May
11, 1973, Roll 73-074B, Accession Number 01171, Frames 1247, 1277, 1281,
and 1284.

136. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Federal Water Pollution Centrol Administration,
"Report of the Committee on Walter Quality Criteria," Washington, D.C.,
April.- 1968.

137. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, "Fish and Wildlife
of Yaquina Bay, Oregon," Portland, Ore., Nov., 1968 -
23 pp. A special report on a preliminary survey organized as follows:
Part 1. Some Ecological and Biological Aspects of Yaquina Bay-Estuary;
Part II. An Evaluation of Fish and Wildlife Resources o 'f Yaquina Bay;
Part III. Factors Affecting Fish and Wildlife Utilization and Value of
Yaquina Bay Recommendations. Includes maps showing eel grass and oyster
locations and clam, fish, and wildlife habitats.

292

138. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Geological Survey, "Compilation of Water
Temperature Data for Oregon Streams," Portland, Ore., 1964.
134 pp. Gives the monthly mean, maximum, and minimum water
temperature for all years of record through 1962. Also includes
station locations, drainage areas, and periods of record.

139. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Geological Survey, "Water Quality Records
in Oregon," Portland, Ore., 1964.
134 pp.

140. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Geological Survey, "Water Resources Data
for Oregon, Part I. Surface Water Records," Portland, Ore., 1970.
Annual publications in which daily flow rates recorded at Oregon
stream gaging stations during the year are given. Also include the
station locations, drainage.-areas, andperi6ds of reco-rd.with the
average discharge and extreme flow rates for the year-and for the
period of record.

141. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Geological Survey, "Water Resources Data
for Oregon, Part II. Water Quality Records," Portland, Ore., 1966,
1967 and 1968.
(1968--143 pp.) Annual publications in which daily maximum and
minimum water temperature recorded at Oregon stations during the
year are given. Also include the station locations, drainage areas,
and periods of record with extremes for.the year and for the period
of record and daily suspended sediment and mean daily discharge. For
some years (approximately from .1964 to 1967), sediment size analyses
are given.

142. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, "Natural Resources, Ecological Aspects
Uses and Guidelines for the Management of Coos Bay, Oregon," Special
Report, June, 1971.
This is a comprehensive report which discusses the Coos Bay
ecosystem, man's impact, insitutional management, planning guidelines
and recommendations.

143. U.S. Environmental Data Service, "Hourly Precipitation Data, Oregon,"
Vo. I-, Ashville, N.C., 1951-.
Gives hourly precipitation and monthly totals measured at recording
stations throughout Oregon. Tables.

144. U.S. Geological Survey Quadrangel Maps. Gold Beach, 1954; Mt. Emily,
19S4; Cape Blanco, 1954; Langlois, 1954.

145. U.S. Geological Survey--Water Supply Paper 1353, "Quality of Surface
Waters of the United States 1954," Parts 9-14.

146. U.S. Geological Survey--Water Supply Paper 1398, "Surface Water
Supply of the United States, 1955," Part 14.

147. U.S. Geological Survey--Water Supply Paper 1568, "Surface Water
Supply of the United States, 1958," Part 14.

148. U.S. Geological Survey--Water Supply Paper 213S, "Surface Water
Supply of the United States, 1966-1970,11 Part 14.

293

149. U S. Siuslaw National Forest Service, "Cascade Head-Salmon River
Land Use and Ownership Plan," Pacific-Northwest Region, Forest Service,
USDA, June 22, 1972.
70 pp. Recommendations assembled after public meetings held to
discuss the possibility of including the Cascade Head-Salmon River
area on the Siuslaw National.Forest.

150., U.S. Siuslaw Nationa Forest Service, 'I.Cascade Head-Salmon-River
Study Area," 1972.
5 pp. Report, assembled prior to public meetings, describing the
Cascade Head-Salmon River area in terms of ownership, uses, fish and
wildlife, timber and vegetation, community development, history,
geology, surface drainage, soils and slope.

151. Utt, M.E., "Seasonal Variation of Tidal Dynamics, Water Quality and
Sediments of the Siuslaw Estuary," MS Thesis, Department of Civil
Engineering, Ocean Engineering Program, Oregon State University,
Corvallis., Oregon, (May 1974).

152. Visit to DEQ lab, Warren C. Westgarth, PhD., Administrator, 8148 S.W.
Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton, Ore., December 13, 1973.

153. Waldport Community Chamber of Commerce, Waldport, Ore., brochure and
personal communication, 1972.

154. Walker, D., Preliminary data, "Invertebraes of Yaquina Bay, 1971-72;
from marker buoy 36 to 1.5 miles above marker buoy 47,11 Oregon State
University Marine Science Center, Newport, Ore., 1972.

155. Wick, W.Q., "Crisis in Oregon Estuaries," OSU Sea Grant Exte nsion
Marine Advisory Program, Newport, Ore., May, 1970,
8 pp. Gives a brief description of the major Oregon estuaries and
the possible crises occurring at each.

254

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