Modeling approach to help managers identify how stream flow changes impact temperature, oxygen levels

SCCWRP and its partners have developed an approach for designing modeling tools that can predict how changes in flow patterns will influence stream temperature and dissolved oxygen levels across space and time – part of an ongoing three-year study seeking to expand the management utility of the California Environmental Flows Framework (CEFF).

The approach, described in a technical memo that was submitted to the California Department Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in March, will enable researchers to develop regional-scale models that address more integrated management questions about how changes in stream flow patterns influence ecosystem health. Existing flow modeling tools that support CEFF do not adequately account for the relationships between flows and other parameters, including water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels.

Researchers hope the “From Framework to Flows (F2F)” project will extend CEFF’s utility by providing insights about the combined stresses of altered flows, water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels on stream health.

CEFF, which was co-developed by SCCWRP and unveiled in 2021, offers a rigorous, standardized approach for determining how to allocate limited surface flows that balance both human and ecosystem needs for flowing water.