Upper Red Rock Lake EFDC Model

Low oxygen (hypoxic) conditions have been observed in Upper Red Rock Lake (URRL) during winter months by several investigators over the last 20 years and pose a risk to the genetically distinct grayling population in the lake. As such, an Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) model was developed by KF2 to consider hydrodynamic and water-quality effects of various restorative strategies for improving wintertime dissolved oxygen concentrations in URRL. Two engineering alternatives considered for implementation within URRL: (1) construction of a pipeline from Shambow Pond to transfer oxygenated water nearer the center of URRL where grayling habitat is more prevalent and (2) a storage release scenario where stored water in Widgeon Pond is released to provide an oxygenated flushing flow into URRL from Elk Springs Creek.

Work has been completed under subcontract to Water & Environment Technologies (WET) as part of FWP Project No. 33815A.