Document - Flow-Recreation Study Technical Report, Henry M. Jackson Hydroelectric Project

Abstract

Public Utility District No. 1 of Snohomish County (District) is applying for a new license for the Henry M. Jackson Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2157. It is conducting studies of Project effects on environmental resources, including whitewater boating in the 16.5 mile Sultan River from Culmback Dam to the Skykomish River. The study evaluates the effects of Project operations on whitewater recreation opportunities and identifies potential effects of providing whitewater boating flows on other recreation activities such as fishing and mining. Specific study objectives include: identify acceptable and optimal ranges, describe recreation-relevant hydrology of the current operating regime, describe feasibility and effect of providing scheduled releases for whitewater recreation, estimate whitewater use levels if releases were provided, describe existing and potential access issues, and identify potential impacts from whitewater flows on other recreation uses.