Chehalis River Basin Nonpoint Action Plan -NEWAUKUM RIVER

NEWAUKUM RIVER

NEWAUKUM RIVER

The Newaukum subbasin in eastern Lewis County comprises a drainage area of 173 square miles or 6% of the total drainage area of the Chehalis River Basin (USDA, 1975). The Newaukum subbasin consists of four westerly flowing reaches: 1) the Newaukum River from the confluence of the North and South Forks downstream to the Chehalis River, including two small tributary creeks, Taylor and Allen; 2) the North Fork of the Newaukum which includes 14 tributary creeks; among them Mitchell Creek, Lucas Creek, and the Middle Fork of the Newaukum River; 3) the lower mainstem of the South Fork Newaukum River downstream from the mouth of Kearney Creek, including Lost and Gheer Creeks, and 4) the upper mainstem of the South Fork Newaukum River upstream from and including Kearney Creek, and eight other tributaries including Bernier, Beaver, and Frase Creeks. These four reaches total 56.7 miles of mainstem channel and 109.6 miles of tributary stream drainage (Ecology, 1980).

The headwaters of both the North and South Forks of the Newaukum River headwaters are in steep hills and narrow valleys. Flowing west and southwest, these reaches gradually approach a broad, lowland valley. There they join with the lower mainstems of both the South Fork Newaukum River and the Newaukum River to follow a meandering westerly course to the Chehalis River (Ecology, 1980).

Geologically, most exposed rocks in the Newaukum subbasin are recognized as alluvial terrace deposits from late Tertiary to Quaternary age. Minerals of economic importance in this subbasin include sand and gravel (USDA, 1975).

Discharge data and other water quality factors have been monitored for the Newaukum subbasin on the mainstem near Chehalis, and at Forest at the confluence of both the North and South Forks of the Newaukum (Hiss, et al. 1982). Total average discharge is 504 cfs. Maximum recorded discharge was 10,300 cfs in December 1977 and minimum flow was 12 cfs in September 1949 (USGS, 1992).

In general, the Newaukum subbasin is marked by low gradient river reaches averaging ten to 25 yards in width, with beds of rubble and gravel, interspersed with pools and shallow riffles (Fisheries, 1975).

Specifically, the Newaukum River from the confluence of the North and South Forks downstream to the Chehalis River is a low gradient reach flowing through cleared farmland and deciduous brush. The stream contains a number of deep pools with shallow riffles interspersed. The stream channel averages 10 to 25 yards in width and its bed is composed primarily of rubble and gravel. Stream bank cover is generally adequate for shading and erosion prevention. Gradient is low in the river with a low to moderate gradient in the two tributaries. Allen Creek and Taylor Creek average one to two yards in width and consist primarily of pools with short riffle areas.

The North Fork Newaukum River is divided into a steeper gradient section in the upper nine miles and a moderate gradient section in the lower ten miles and along the Middle Fork. The steeper upper North Fork gradient contains outcropping of bedrock and an abundance of gravel. Tributary streambeds are generally composed of gravel and have a moderate gradient. The stream channels in this area are generally confined by low banks on either side. Little evidence of extensive artificial channelization exists. The streams provide a balance of pools and riffles suited for salmon production with few rapids. The lower North Fork has an average width of 20 yards. Gravel and rubble are the predominant features of the streambed. Tributary streams, in the lower reaches, range from two to seven yards wide.

The lower mainstem of the South Fork Newaukum River provides uniform fish and wildlife habitat throughout this reach. The stream channel is generally confined to its course by low cut banks and averages 20 yards in width. The stream contains a number of deep pools with good riffle areas. Gravel and rubble are the major features of the streambed. Most of this river has excellent bank cover in the form of deciduous timber and brush. Water temperature and flow are generally good. The two tributaries to this reach of the South Fork are quite small. Their lower reaches are three yards wide. Gheer Creek has adequate streambank cover; however, its streambed is composed primarily of silt, sand, and small gravel. Portions of Lost Creek have been channelized. Its streambed is primarily sand and silt. The stream lacks adequate bank cover in many areas. Both of these tributaries have a low gradient.

The upper reaches of the South Fork Newaukum lie in steep, low mountain terrain in timber production. Most of the stream area in this upper watershed above RM 33 has a steep gradient. Stream bank cover, mostly coniferous and deciduous timber, is generally adequate to provide for cool water temperatures in the lower reaches. The South Fork Newaukum River averages 15 yards wide near the mouth of Kearney Creek with generally good to excellent streambank cover. The channel is confined to a narrow valley or low banks. The streambed is predominantly gravel and rubble with frequent outcropping of bedrock and appears to be quite stable. Lower Kearney Creek, the largest tributary, has an average width of five yards with generally good streambank cover provided by deciduous brush and timber. The lower reaches of this stream have a moderate gradient with steeper gradients encountered near its headwaters. The streambed is composed primarily of gravel and sand. The other tributaries to the South Fork in this section range from two to four yards wide in their lower reaches. The upper stream channels on these creeks have a moderate to steep gradient, with lower gradients encountered near the confluence with the South Fork. Gravel is the predominant bottom material in these streams and streambank cover is generally good to excellent. The lower reaches of these streams have pool and riffle characteristics necessary for salmon production (Ecology, 1980).

Climate

The Newaukum subbasin climate is typical of the Chehalis Basin. Generally, the climate is temperate both winter and summer, with an average precipitation of 30 to 60 inches annually (USDA, 1975).

Existing Population

Using 1990 U.S. Bureau of Census data and maps for the area, and relating census block numbers to the watershed boundary of the Newaukum Basin, the subbasin population appears to be 10,000.

Based upon an average for the entire Chehalis River Basin of 2.29 people per household, there are close to 4,400 households in this subbasin.

Beneficial Uses of Water

The Newaukum subbasin contains 60 acres of lakes under 40 acres in size and 289 acres of streams under 1/8 mile wide, with a total approximate drainage of 111,095 acres. These freshwater totals include all lakes, streams, and freshwater marches. The Newaukum subbasin accounts for 5% of the freshwater in the Chehalis River Basin (USDA, 1975).

Ground water occurrence is variable in the Chehalis River Basin depending on local geologic conditions. One exception to this is the Newaukum artesian basin where yields of several hundred gallons per minute are common. The Newaukum artesian basin has an area of about 25 square miles and lies within a southeast trending syncline. Water supplies taken from this artesian basin are obtained from nonmarine and sedimentary rocks. Recharge to the Newaukum artesian basin is from precipitation that occurs on the adjacent uplands. Most of the population outside of the city of Onalaska in the Newaukum subbasin relies on ground water for its domestic water supply.

There are only a few dams or diversion structures in the Newaukum subbasin. There is a dam on Gheer Creek, a small tributary of the South Fork Newaukum River near the town of Onalaska. In 1987, the structure was renovated in the restoration of Carlisle Lake, where it is located. The earthen dike was repaired and the existing concrete spillway was removed. In its place, an overflow pipe was placed in the lake with the discharge end of the pipe located in the streamed below the dike. In addition, an emergency spillway was also constructed at the western end of the dike to facilitate high flow activity. The dam on Gheer Creek is a barrier to coho, but little production area would be gained by its removal. On the other hand, the restoration of Carlisle Lake and the renovation of the dam have restored an important recreational fishing area to the local community. The lake is stocked by the Washington Department of Wildlife annually and draws large crowds throughout the fishing season (WSU, 1985).

The cities of Centralia and Chehalis have operated a municipal water diversion facility at RM 12.5 on the North Fork Newaukum River. Flow below the diversion during low flow periods consists largely of tributary inflow only. High temperatures are found in the lower river along with concentrations of predatory fish. The water intake dam, constructed on top of a small falls, was a barrier to virtually all adult salmon reaching this point prior to 1970. In 1970, a fish ladder was constructed on the falls at the diversion dam. This assists in continued access to the coho production area in the upper watershed. The diversion dam is not in current operation, due to a large natural slide located near RM 14 above the municipal intake on the North Fork. The slide has created excessive turbidity and sedimentation in the river since the fall rains of November, 1990. The North Fork had been eliminated as a source of municipal and industrial water for Chehalis and Centralia, but Centralia began using this source again in Fall 1992. Downstream residents are concerned about the movement of the slide and the extensive siltation of the spawning gravels throughout this watershed.

Low flows are critical in the Middle Fork Newaukum, the lower reaches of which consist of isolated pools in the summer months (Ecology, 1980). This stream also has a number of log jams and beaver dams which prevent salmon from reaching the upper areas. A high waterfall on Mitchell Creek limits coho production to its lower reaches (Fisheries, 1975).

A new project will divert a small amount of water from the upper mainstem of the South Fork Newaukum River for a small salmon fish-rearing facility. This facility is scheduled to come on-line in the Fall of 1992. The facility is a cooperative effort of the Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force, Washington Trollers, Washington Department of Fisheries, and Onalaska High School. These groups plan to raise and release coho smolts in the North and South Forks of the Newaukum River, and the mainstem Chehalis.

Water Quality Trends

Water quality in the Newaukum subbasin is generally good, with some impairment occurring in the mainstem and the North and South Forks of the Newaukum River. Low flows due to diversion structures and naturally occurring log jams and debris have resulted in higher temperatures and low dissolved oxygen in streams. High fecal coliform counts from unspecified agricultural activities have been found in all reaches of the Newaukum subbasin (Hiss, et al. 1982).

Erosion is an ongoing problem in the Newaukum subbasin with over 27 river miles of documented serious erosion sites. Of the 111,095 acres in the drainage, approximately 67,000 acres (60%) is listed in Erosion Hazard Class 3 (severe), 36,000 acres or 32% of the drainage area falls into the slight to moderate Erosion Hazard Class, leaving only 8% or approximately 8,000 acres of the drainage with no erosion hazards (USDA, 1975).

Flooding and floodwaters are not major problems in the Newaukum subbasin. Of the total drainage area of 111,095 acres, 80% or nearly 89,000 acres are listed as having no floodwater hazards. These lands lie within the upper reaches of the North and South Forks of the Newaukum River. Slightly more that 100 acres is listed as having slight to moderate floodwater hazards (flooding once every five to ten years). Nineteen percent of the drainage or approximately 21,000 acres suffer regular floodwater damage during certain months of the year, and severe damage at least once every three to five years. Most of these lands are situated in the broad valley bordering the lower reaches of the South Fork Newaukum River and the mainstem Newaukum River to the Chehalis River (USDA, 1975).

Existing Land Use Patterns

Most of the uplands and valley slopes are in timber production, much of it second-growth. There are virtually no rural farms or residences upstream from RM 30 of the South Fork Newaukum River. Stream bank cover is provided from both coniferous and deciduous timber. Nearly all of the valley land has been cleared and is presently used for farming and agricultural production. Deciduous timber and brush provide streambank cover in the lower reaches. Farms and rural residences are scattered in the lowland areas. The town of Onalaska is located near the South Fork at RM 20.

Throughout the Chehalis River Basin and specifically in the Newaukum subbasin, land capability class descriptions divide the drainage and reflect the primary uses of land for pasture and timber production (USDA, 1975). In the Newaukum subbasin, 71,000 acres or 64% of the total drainage appears as land suited for cultivation. However, most of these acres include soils that have severe limitations, reducing the choice of plants or requiring special conservation practices are usually more difficult to apply and maintain. These soils are suited for cultivated crops, pasture, woodland, wildlife food and cover,and recreation. The remaining 40,000 acres or 36% fall within the classification of lands limited in use and generally no suited for cultivation. These lands contain soils with severe limitations restricting their use largely to pasture or rangeland, woodland, wildlife, recreation and water supply (USDA, 1975). Much of the soil of the Newaukum Basin has a high clay content and is not suitable for septic tanks. The ground water table is close to the surface. Wells in the valley show salinity and hardness in sufficient amounts to make the water unattractive for domestic use.

Although there are a variety of land uses in the Newaukum subbasin, primary usage directly relates to land and soil capability descriptions. Commercial forest land comprises 77% or 85,500 acres of the total drainage. Crop and pastureland (21,000 acres - 19%) make up the bulk of the remaining area. Only 3% or 3,500 acres are considered built-up lands, most of which lie within or nearby the town of Onalaska, close to the South Fork Newaukum River mainstem. Less than 1% of the total acreage is considered rural non-farm.

Newaukum Valley is agricultural in use. Grasses grown for hay predominate, but small grain, vegetable production, and pasture are also important. Agriculture represents the largest single-purpose use of water. From current water right information, nearly 3,000 acres are covered by surface water irrigation rights. Recent agriculture census figures indicate about 1,000 acres are irrigated from ground water (Ecology, 1980).

State Highway 508 bisects the Newaukum subbasin, but it is only a secondary east-west transportation route.

Land usage is also a function of land ownership in the Newaukum subbasin. Fifty-five percent or 61,000 acres are under private ownership and 39% or 43,500 acres are corporately owned. Only 5,400 acres or 5% of the total acreage fall within state jurisdiction and less than 1% of the lands are owned by the federal or county government. There are no tribally owned lands in the Newaukum subbasin.

Although most of the land in the Newaukum subbasin is in forest or agriculture, pressures exist to convert some lands to other uses, including housing. Subdivision of land for rural nonfarm residential development often has the effect of increasing taxes on adjacent land. These increased taxes often force adjacent land owners to sell their land or to convert it to more intensive uses.

Often land which is subdivided for housing is unsuitable because of septic tank limitations; usually no sewage disposal system for the residents is available. Within the Newaukum subbasin, 98% of the total acreage is considered to have severe septic tank limitations (USDA, 1975). As residential growth continues to reduce the agricultural acreage base, agriculture practices will probably intensify, resulting in the use of poorly adapted sites. These population and housing increases also necessitate implementation of solid waste management programs.

The area landfill is scheduled for closure in 1992 and the local sewage treatment facility needs to be upgraded (Beck, et al. 1975). Unfortunately, 97% of the Newaukum subbasin is classified as having severe limitations on the suitability of the land for sanitary landfill sites (USDA, 1975).

Anticipated Population and Land Use

Based upon projections from the Washington State Office of Financial Management, Forecasting Division (OFM, 1992), the entire Chehalis River Basin is experiencing growth. Using data from the three major counties (Thurston, Lewis, and Grays Harbor) this growth rate between now and the year 2000 could be 2.7% (low), 26% (high), or 11% (average).

Applying these figures to today's population and housing units results in the following estimates for the Newaukum Basin:

   1990         Pop. in 2000     Units in 2000
Pop. Units   low    hi   avg  low    hi   avg
10000  4400 10270 12600 11100  4519  5544  4884

By the year 2010, the growth rate could be 6.1% (low), 53% (high), or 23% (average):

   1990         Pop. in 2010     Units in 2010
Pop. Units   low    hi   avg  low    hi   avg
10000  4400 10617 15300 12300  4668  6732  5412

While this subbasin has not experienced high or even average growth rates, high rates of growth in nearby population centers are encouraging residential development in rural areas. This spillover effect could cause growth to exceed traditional norms.

Biological Resources

The Newaukum subbasin supports a wide variety of wildlife, which can be divided into four groups: big game, upland game, fur-bearers, and waterfowl. Big game species include black-tailed deer, black bear, and cougar. The drainage provides good winter habitat and numerous logging sites that support shrubs, ground cover, and other big game browse. Upland game are the most widely distributed and numerous of the game species in the basin. Species found here are native blue and ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, mountain quail, cottontail rabbit, mourning dove, and band-tailed pigeon. Pheasants, quail, and cotton tail rabbit are associated with agricultural land, while the other species are found in forested areas. Fur bearers include beaver, muskrat, mink, raccoon, weasel, and river otter which require licenses to be trapped. Non-protected fur bearers include skunk, red fox, coyote, and opossum. Waterfowl species common to the Newaukum subbasin include mallard, pintail, wood duck, coot, Canada goose, and blue heron. Other species of wildlife found in the Newaukum subbasin include protected songbirds, birds of prey, including the Northern spotted owl, and squirrels and chipmunks. Non-protected species inhabiting the drainage include ground squirrels, forest rodents, amphibians and reptiles.

Fish in the Newaukum subbasin find vital habitat in both cold, swift-flowing high elevation tributaries, and in warmer, meandering lowland valley rivers. Carlisle Lake, located near the town of Onalaska on Gheer Creek, a small tributary of the South Fork Newaukum River, is a shallow (8 to 20 feet) man-made lake that is stocked annually for recreational fishing with rainbow and eastern brook trout. In addition, the lake supports wood ducks, Canada geese, blue heron, osprey, and an occasional bald eagle, along with numerous reptiles and amphibians. Fur bearing animals, protected and non-protected, find excellent habitat in the upper lake area, which consists of two deep holding ponds that are less accessible to the public and surrounded by lush, natural vegetation (WSU, 1985).

The four reaches of the Newaukum River support salmon populations along with crappie and bullhead. The Newaukum River reach from the confluence of the North and South Forks downstream to the Chehalis River, provides channels and rearing areas for juvenile and adult salmon. Both spring and fall Chinook spawn in the mainstem. Streams contain a number of deep pools necessary for the maturation of adult spring Chinook. The smaller tributaries support coho. Shad spawn in the lower river. The entire mainstem Newaukum River and approximately four linear miles of tributaries are presently utilized by salmon (Ecology, 1980).

The North Fork Newaukum River watershed supports runs of both spring and fall Chinook and coho. Chinook spawning is generally confined to the lower ten miles of the North Fork because of diversions and obstructions. The North Fork contains a small number of pools suited for maturation of adults and supports juvenile coho and spring Chinook. Coho production occurs in virtually all of the accessible reaches of tributary streams. Salmon presently utilize 17 miles of the main North Fork and an estimated 41 linear miles of tributaries (Ecology, 1980).

The lower mainstem of the South Fork Newaukum River supports runs of coho and both spring and fall Chinook salmon. The river channel serves as transportation water for salmon destined for upriver spawning areas and also provides major spawning area for Chinook. Virtually all of the coho production in the South Fork Newaukum River occurs in the upper reaches and its tributaries. The South Fork has excellent rearing habitat for juvenile coho and spring Chinook. Cool water temperatures and a number of deep pools provide excellent resting and maturation areas for adult salmon. All of the mainstem South Fork and approximately three linear miles of tributaries in this section are utilized for salmon production (Ecology, 1980).

The upper mainstem of the South Fork Newaukum River supports runs of both spring and fall Chinook and coho. The majority of Chinook production occurs in the mainstem downstream from RM 31.0. Limited Chinook production may occur in lower Kearney Creek. The South Fork is well suited for spring Chinook production with ample spawning, rearing, and resting area available. Coho utilize the accessible tributary streams, with spawning also occurring in the mainstem. All accessible waters serve as fair to good coho rearing areas with the mainstem also utilized by juvenile spring Chinook. Salmon presently utilize five miles of mainstem in this section and about 14 linear miles of tributaries (Ecology, 1980).

Vegetation in the Newaukum subbasin, as described previously, includes many varieties of deciduous brush (elderberry, huckleberry, salmonberry, thimbleberry, salal, Oregon grape, wild holly), and ground covers. This abundance and variety of vegetation provides food and habitat for many animal and bird species as well as necessary streambank cover for juvenile fish habitat (USDA, 1975). Timber includes deciduous and coniferous species. Commonly occurring hardwoods are black cottonwood, red alder, big leaf maple, golden poplar, western hackberry, wild crabapple, and flowering dogwood. Coniferous species are correlated with timber production in the subbasin and include mainly Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar.

Water Quality Plans

Water quality plans for this subbasin are reviewed in the basin-wide overview section of the Chehalis River Basin Characterization and the Water Quality Assessment.

Revised and corrected, April 2000 -