Jefferson Basin Abiotic Reconnaisance

KF2 performed baseline monitoring during late summer of 2023 to assess abiotic factors influencing the health of the Jefferson Basin fishery. Work included diurnal measurement of water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), hydrogen ion concentration (pH), specific conductance (SC), and turbidity, many of which are stressors and contributing factors to fungal infections in salmonids. Sites of interest were evaluated over an approximate 5-day critical period at key locations on the Beaverhead, Ruby, Big Hole, and Jefferson rivers when seasonal low flows, high air temperatures, and warm water temperatures would be limiting to the fishery.