Tuesday February 18, 2025
California Water Impact Network —
On Aug. 28, 2024, Trinity River Restoration Program hydrologist Dr. Todd Buxton presented his findings on pool stratification in the Trinity River. Though indicating more studies are in order, he proposed significantly reducing summer flows on the Trinity to allow pool stratification that mimics the pre-dam era.
Dr. Buxton maintained lower flows (down to 70 cfs from the current base flow of 450 cfs) would result in pool stratification and provide adequate temperatures for holding adult spring chinook salmon while reducing water velocities, allowing fish to reduce energy expenditures. He appeared to blame low spring chinook numbers on high summer flows.
However, his logic is seriously flawed. Cutting summer flows would significantly impact both spring chinook and the communities that depend on the Trinity River. Dr. Buxton also failed to note that some of the highest adult spring chinook runs on record followed nine to 12 years after the 450 cfs minimum summer flow standard was established. Contrary to his claim that the 450 cfs is a relic of the 2000 Trinity Record of Decision (ROD), it began nine years earlier in 1991.