Water quality and surface hydrology of freshwater flow systems in southwest Alaska: 2010 annual summary report.

Moore, Claudette; Shearer, Jeff

The Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network monitors freshwater systemsin five national park units: Alagnak Wild River (ALAG), Aniakchak National Monumentand Preserve (ANIA), Katmai National Park and Preserve (KATM), Kenai FjordsNational Park (KEFJ), and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (LACL). To date,most of our efforts have focused on field testing and modifying protocols for waterquality and hydrology monitoring on high priority lake systems.In 2010, lake profiles were measured on Lake Clark, Lachbuna Lake, Crescent Lake,Kijik Lake (LACL sites), Naknek Lake, and Lake Brooks (KATM sites) between thesurface and 50 m for water temperature, pH, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen, andwater clarity. Water quality parameters were generally stable between sites throughouteach lake except for water clarity. The 2009 spring eruptions of Mt. Redoubt andsubsequent volcanic ash inputs into the Lake Clark system were still influencing waterclarity although Secchi depths did increase compared to 2009 observations. Continuouswater temperature monitoring in Lake Clark has been ongoing since September 2006while continuous temperature monitoring on Naknek Lake was initiated in August 2008.Water temperature data from both lakes depict temporary summer stratification followedby abrupt vertical mixing due to a strong wind events in late July.Water level and discharge measurements were continued on Naknek Lake and LakeBrooks in 2010. Water level measurements were converted into estimated lake dischargebased on stage discharge rating curves developed in 2006-07 by the U.S. GeologicalSurvey. Subsequent discharge measurements were used to refine rating curves.Continuous water quality and water level monitoring was conducted on Exit Creek(KEFJ) during two-week deployment periods (late spring and mid-summer) to examinenatural variation in water quality parameters due to diel glacial melting. Diel patternswere most obvious in water temperature and specific conductivity during low flow(spring / early summer) when ground water contributions to surface flow exceed runoffcontributions comprising glacial and snowmelt runoff as well as precipitation events.

Water quality and surface hydrology of freshwater flow systems in southwest Alaska: 2010 annual summary report.

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