Lower Yakima River: Difference between revisions
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The Yakima delta and confluence is a critical link to the entire Yakima River both historically and today. The confluence was an important tribal fishing ground as noted in the Lewis and Clark Journals. | The Yakima delta and confluence is a critical link to the entire Yakima River both historically and today. The confluence was an important tribal fishing ground as noted in the Lewis and Clark Journals. | ||
It | It provides an important link for fish as an adult and juvenile migration corridor. | ||
However, much of the original floodplain/delta has been significantly developed, altered, or submerged as a result of the construction of McNary Dam downstream in the Columbia River. The reservoir now formed by McNary Dam extends nearly 2 miles up the Yakima River, changing flow and sediment deposition patterns in the delta. | However, much of the original floodplain/delta has been significantly developed, altered, or submerged as a result of the construction of McNary Dam downstream in the Columbia River. The reservoir now formed by McNary Dam extends nearly 2 miles up the Yakima River, changing flow and sediment deposition patterns in the delta. | ||
Revision as of 13:47, 21 August 2025
The Lower Yakima River is approximately 51 river miles long beginning near the Yakima County/Benton County border and ending at the Columbia River.
There have been numerous studies and reports detailing the Lower Yakima River with one of the more comprehensive being the Assessment of the Lower Yakima River in Benton County, Washington by the Benton County Conservation District in 2011[1].
The Lower Yakima River is a critical corridor for many species of fish including numerous salmonid species.
Geography
Watersheds/Reaches and corresponding 12-Digit Hydrologic Unit Codes (based on USGS 2024 Watershed Boundary Set)
- Prosser Reach - Yakima River Mainstem (City of Prosser-Yakima River, 170300031007)
- Lower Mainstem Reach (Yakima River, 170300031205; Webber Canyon-Yakima River, 170300031203; Badlands Lakes-Yakima River, 170300031202)
- Spring and Snipes Creeks (Spring Creek,170300031005; Snipes Creek,170300031006)
- Corral Creek (Corral Creek,170300031201)
- Amon Creek Wasteway (Coyote Canyon, 170300031204)
- Cold Creek (Cold Creek, 170300031109; Lower Cold Creek, 170300031108; Middle Cold Creek, 170300031107; Upper Cold Creek, 170300031106; Headwaters Cold Creek, 170300031101)
- Yakima Delta
Washington State designated this area as part of Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 37, see PDF
Lower River Flow/Hydrology
USGS stream flow monitoring at Kiona, located at river mile 30, see USGS Gage.
See Yakima Basin combined stream flow monitoring links page
Flows
Flood Flows
Tributaries to the Lower Yakima River
Cold Creek
Facilities
Chandler Canal
Prosser Hatchery and Enumeration Facility
Wanawish Dam (Horn Rapids Dam)
Lewis and Clark Irrigation District
Badger Mountain Irrigation District
Water Stargrass (Heteranthera dubia)
Water stargrass is a perennial plant that has become well established in the lower 43 miles of the Yakima River, below Prosser Dam.
See separate page on Water stargrass
Yakima Delta
The Yakima delta and confluence is a critical link to the entire Yakima River both historically and today. The confluence was an important tribal fishing ground as noted in the Lewis and Clark Journals.
It provides an important link for fish as an adult and juvenile migration corridor.
However, much of the original floodplain/delta has been significantly developed, altered, or submerged as a result of the construction of McNary Dam downstream in the Columbia River. The reservoir now formed by McNary Dam extends nearly 2 miles up the Yakima River, changing flow and sediment deposition patterns in the delta.
The construction of the Bateman Island Causeway around 1940 further constrained the flow patterns of both the Yakima River and Columbia River in the delta.
For more info see the Yakima Delta page.
Water Quality
Stream Temperature
Sediment
Habitat Quality
Channel Complexity
Large Wood
Vegetation
Refuge Habitat
Fish Use
Salmon and Steelhead
Bull Trout
Non-Natives
Predation (Piscivore and Avian)
Citations
- ↑ Appel, M., R. Little, H. Wendt, and M. Nielson. Assessment of the Lower Yakima River in Benton County, Washington. Benton Conservation District, 2011. http://www.ybfwrb.org/Assets/Documents/Assessments/Lower_Yakima_Assessment.pdf.