Dry Creek Fish Passage

Dry Creek is a tributary to the Clark Fork River located near the town of Superior, Montana.  Dry Creek has been identified as an important area for native fish due to its habitat integrity, but it has been fragmented by mining, logging and agricultural infrastructure. 

TU partnered with the Lolo National Forest to provide access for native fish populations to the upstream reaches of Dry Creek, while providing long term stream stability and water supply at an irrigation diversion site.  Project activities included modifying the existing structure, adding additional rock and step-pool/riffle structures, replacing the head-gate support structure and installing a sluice gate.

The objectives of the project are to improve the existing structure and original work to

• Eliminate or substantially reduce annual in-stream channel maintenance from bedload deposition.
•  Incorporate design advancements to improve structure performance and reduce failure risk
• Improve bedload transport through the site by incorporating additional structures upstream of the existing weirs
• Replace the head-gate and failing support structure, in conjunction with sluice gate installation to facilitate bedload movement through the structure and reduce maintenance of bedload deposition immediately upstream of the headgate.

Project work was completed in 2010 and will be monitored post construction to make sure that the structure functions effectively for native fish and agricultural users.