We evaluated changes in stream temperature dynamics as affected by vegetation structure, streamflow, and stream-aquifer interactions in a 1-km reach of a semiarid riparian corridor in north central Oregon. We determined vegetation structure and estimated canopy cover along the riparian area. We installed multiple stream, groundwater, and ambient temperature sensors at selected locations along the reach. Stream temperature sensors were installed at shaded and exposed locations. In the summer of 2014, we used Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) and fiber optic technology to accurately measure stream water temperature at fine temporal (every 15 min) and spatial (every one meter) resolution scales. DTS data findings were compared to data obtained from point specific temperature sensors (17) installed in the creek. Preliminary results show Gray Alder (Alnus incana) and Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) were the dominant overstory and understory species. No significant changes in stream temperature were observed in shaded versus exposed sensor locations. Greater stream temperature levels were observed between 3 and 5 pm in most days and stream temperature fluctuations followed those from ambient temperature. A close agreement between stand-alone sensor and DTS stream temperature measurements was observed. The finer spatial resolution of the fiber optic cable measurements allowed for a better understanding of vegetation-stream temperature dynamics.�Surface and subsurface flow contributions from a tributary meeting the creek resulted in minor changes in stream temperature conditions at the confluence.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.