Dames & Moore, 1999 - USDA Forest Service

similar based on the total habitat scores, the composition of the total score for the "similar" stations may be
influenced by different habitat parameters.
In general and as described in PNL (1992), Railroad Creek stream gradient and discharge increase as the
creek flows from the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area boundary downstream to Lucerne. Average substrate
size generally increases from predominately cobble to mainly boulder-size particles downstream from
Sevenmile Creek. The results of the habitat assessments indicate that, in general, habitats were similar
averaging 104 with the notable exceptions of RC-9 (77) and BC- I (1 20). Excluding RC-9 and BC- I, the
habitat scores ranged from 93 at RC-3 to 1 13 at SFAC-1.
The Railroad Creek reference locations RC-6 and RC-1 (scores of 11 1 and 105, respectively) provided near
average habitat for aquatic biota. Bottom substrate was void of fines and embeddedness was low primarily
due to the relatively high stream gradient at both locations. RC-6 provided slightly more fish habitat related
to the abundance and disbursement of cobble. The channels of both locations were overall relatively wide
and shallow. Although RC-I provided more pool habitat than RC-6, both had relatively shallow channels
overall. Both locations exhibited instability along the banks. Although vegetation was present along the
banks, particularly at RC-6, various stages of bank erosion were observed.
Location RC-9 exhibited the lowest habitat rating (77). The evaluation resulted in low scores in all
parameters except disruptive pressure which scored high primarily because of the low occurrence of
vegetation immediately adjacent to the bank. RC-9 provided less instream cover (cobble habitat) than all
stations, excluding RC-7. This location is adjacent (south bank) to tailings pile 1 and the seep (SP-2) that
originates from tailings pile 1. Ferricrete was found encroaching the creek along the bank adjacent to the
tailings. However, the ferricrete appeared to break up at the creek's edge with staining and precipitate
occurring in the lower portions of the location only. Large boulders presumably placed during historic
reclamation efforts provided a majority of the fish habitat within this location. Approximately 75 percent of
the stream substrate at this location experiences a precipitate or flocculent which appears to originate near
the tailings pile 1 seep.
RC-7 located adjacent to tailings pile 3 has comparatively less instream cover (cobble habitat) than all
stations, excluding RC-9. The overall habitat rating for RC-7 was 94. Both banks of this location support
alders; however, some erosion was evident especially along the south bank near the tailings pile where the
bank was unstable. The bottom substrate at RC-7 is generally covered with an orange-yellow precipitate
(presumably iron) which could be easily disturbed and suspended within the water column.
RC-5a and RC-10 provide trout habitat primarily in the form of occasional deep runs and undercut banks
along the south bank. Iron precipitate continues to occur throughout both of these locations. However, the
precipitate's presence continually reduced as the stream flows downstream from RC-5a. Alders are
prevalent adjacent to the bank affording bank stability at each location. The banks of these locations remain
undisturbed and the established vegetation provides shading, overhangs for fish cover and a possible source
of terrestrial insects.
Sampling location RC-3, located near the mouth of Railroad Creek is characterized as a high gradient stream
with numerous large boulders in the deeper water upstream near the bridge. The lower portion of this
location is shallow with a relatively wide channel. RC-3 has been somewhat disturbed by human activity.
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17693-005-019Uuly 19. 1999:4:51 PM:DRAFT FINAL RI REPORT