Location
UMass Amherst
Start Date
28-6-2011 4:05 PM
End Date
28-6-2011 4:25 PM
Description
Given the relatively flat design slopes typically associated with nature-like fishways, these are typically only considered to be viable passage options for low head dams. In addition to the shallow slopes, the typical intake configuration only allows operation of these types of fish ways over a limited range of water surface elevations. These characteristics often rule out the use of a nature-like fish way for storage reservoirs or other impoundments where the water surface can fluctuate over a wide range of elevations. As nature-like fishways can provide other benefits such as rearing habitat while also being relatively simple to operate, it can often times be advantageous to find an approach that extends the applicability of this design beyond that normally considered . This paper ·will present information on two projects where nature-like fishways were utilized to provide fish passage at relatively high head dams with fluctuating water surface elevations and how these conditions were overcome.
Session A6- Use of nature-like fishways for passage at high head dams
UMass Amherst
Given the relatively flat design slopes typically associated with nature-like fishways, these are typically only considered to be viable passage options for low head dams. In addition to the shallow slopes, the typical intake configuration only allows operation of these types of fish ways over a limited range of water surface elevations. These characteristics often rule out the use of a nature-like fish way for storage reservoirs or other impoundments where the water surface can fluctuate over a wide range of elevations. As nature-like fishways can provide other benefits such as rearing habitat while also being relatively simple to operate, it can often times be advantageous to find an approach that extends the applicability of this design beyond that normally considered . This paper ·will present information on two projects where nature-like fishways were utilized to provide fish passage at relatively high head dams with fluctuating water surface elevations and how these conditions were overcome.
Comments
Mike McGowan, P. E. received a BS and MS in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University and has worked in private practice for over 30 years. 20 of these years have focused on projects related to different aspects of fisheries design and study work including passage and screening. Currently a Senior Project Manager with HDR Engineering, Inc he is involved with the design of a unique floating surface collector being designed to facilitate downstream passage of steelhead smolts and kelts.
Brent Mefford, P. E. received a BS and MS in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University and has worked in the Bureau of Reclamation’s DenverTechnical Service Center Hydraulics Research Lab as a Hydraulic Research Engineer for over 33 years, specializing over the last 20 years in the study, modeling and design of major fish passage and screening projects throughout the western states.